Success through international cooperation

A promising example of the success of international cooperation and contacts is the restoration of a former International Ferry Van for the railway museum at Primolano (Società Veneta Ferrovie/SVF) in Veneto, Italy. The vehicle is a former international ferry van used for freight between Italy and Great Britain. There was one problem as vehicles working to the UK at that time required to be fitted with the vacuum brake in addition to the continental air brake. After closure of the train ferry service the vacuum brake was no longer needed and the end fittings were removed for the rest of its life. In order to complete the restoration of the vehicle, the railway museum volunteers have to restore the vacuum brake fittings, which no longer exist in Italy. An advertisement in HRA News and a contact to a former NRM colleague brought success. The necessary replacement pipes and fittings have been donated by the Derwent Valley Light Railway near York and will be transported by road to Italy in the coming months.