The National Wagon Preservation Group has acquired pioneer Coalfish wagon MHA 394001.

Coalfish wagons were often seen on engineering trains over the last 27 years.

The wagon is set to move to a temporary storage facility whilst the group finalise a deal with a heritage railway for a more permanent home.

It is intended that the wagon will be restored to its ‘as converted’ state back in 1997.

The group had made some calls for some spare parts for the wagon fleet, but within an hour they had come away with spares and the pioneer wagon.

The cost of the wagon is still not covered, so if you would like to donate, please head over to the National Wagon Preservation Group website.

“We are so pleased to be able to preserve such an important example of railfreight history. Considering the underframe, a former HAA wagon, has survived for 43 years and only withdrawn due to modern equivalents. It is a testament to the highly skilled engineering teams of the days of British Rail.”

Will (Co-Chair NWPG)