Shut-down Latest

You may be wondering what we are hoping to achieve during this extended shut-down and the team have pleasure in listing the key tasks from Ongar to Epping:
· Clearing Finnish stock, re-gauging the run-round loop and re-modelling the Ongar approach – this is to reinstate the run-round loop, so an engine can move around its coaches. It will also mean easier access to the loco facilities and safer shunting. The remaining Finnish stock is being placed at its own platform in the former goods yard, and will become a static display, and provide accommodation for a shop and possibly refreshment facilities.
· Install signalling of Ongar approach (possibly via ground-frames) to safely control the points in the station approach to HMRI standards.
· Undertake major reinforcing works on the embankment at Blake Hall, to stabilise the track-bed and increase the axle loading capacity of the branch.
· Correct track along the line to improve the ride and remove temporary speed limits to regain punctuality and passenger comfort.
· Reinstate the passing loop at North Weald, including restoration of both GER, BR & LT railway signalling at this station. Undertaking remedial work on the surface to the Up platform.
· Re-paint and restore North Weald booking hall (including rebuilding the open fire), improve toilet provision at both stations and finish minor station works at Ongar
It appears a long list at first, but with a few extra hands, the right equipment and a little kindness from the weather, fully achievable. 

For safety reasons, many of these overdue works cannot be carried out in conjunction with running passenger trains, and can be carried out quicker and more efficiently during a full line possession, as being increasingly used on the mainline. These works are all focused towards having a line which can host steam engines and result in one which we can be proud of and which offers our visitors a memorable experience. 

Other tasks that could be undertaken in the near future include work on North Weald footbridge (replacing flooring to reduce the structural loadings so it can be reopened), setting up temporary covered carriage and wagon facilities in the (former Finnish) loco shed to start work on the “Shark” brake van and setting up a museum and archives for the line.

April/May Update

No passengers but the railway is busier than ever! It has been an eventful Spring and we hope to keep you abreast of a few of the developments. The working volunteers have battled come rain, shine, and snow to continue the varied essential engineering works during the shut-down: As ever if you are available and ever wondered what its like at Epping Ongar Railway do come down and get involved; you will be assured of a warm welcome, plenty of cups of tea and helping to enable us with an essential piece as we work to bring steam back to the line.

Ongar

Trackwork/Clearance On 11th May some of the 5foot Finnish stock was removed. The remaining Finnish stock is being placed at its own platform in the former goods yard, and will become a static display, and provide accommodation for a shop and possibly refreshment facilities. (Photographs Michael Wall)

Station Buildings Work has been done to clean and tidy the ticket office, the old taxi office which is now used as the Station Masters Office on running days and the Booking Hall. This meant removing old and redundant electrical and telephone wiring (pictured is Mike Hardy carrying out this task Photograph:Eddie Veckranges.) The wiring has tended to build up over the years where old installations were removed and new installations put in place. This had left an unsightly mess and made painting difficult. We have also managed to uncover some old features, like a little spy hole located in the ticket office door. The eyeglass had been covered over by paint but can now be looked through since the paint has been scrapped off. Preparation has also been made to redecoration of the ladies toilet.

North Weald

Permanent Way team are continuing with major trackwork improvements at North Weald and other areas of the line.

Signalling The weekend and weekday parties have finished painting the stairs, been working on the windows (applying undercoat and glossing both inside and out), refurnishing the inside including moving the sink and putting the box back to how it was originally. Our sparkies have been putting the finishing touches to the transformers and starting a wiring audit of the signal circuits, and we have made a start on stripping the old paint and light rust off the Saxby & Farmer lever frame ready for repainting. Simon also borrowed a Minolta Colorimeter from Writtle College and measured the exposed paintwork, some dating back to 120 years ago when the box was build in GER days, to measure the exact colour of paintwork - so we can get paint mixed to those scientific colours in a few weeks time when we come to repaint the inside.

And...

Driving Courses During the shut-down, Steve Weal, our Train Crew Manager, is running mutual improvement classes to cover the theory of safe and efficient driving of vintage stock.

Still to do:

Signalling. Install signalling of Ongar approach (possibly via ground-frames) to safely control the points in the station approach to HMRI standards.

Trackwork. Re-gauging the run-round loop and re-modelling the Ongar approach – this is to reinstate the run-round loop, so an engine can move around its coaches. It will also mean easier access to the loco facilities and safer shunting.

Undertake major reinforcing works on the embankment at Blake Hall, to stabilise the track-bed and increase the axle loading capacity of the branch.

Correct track along the line to improve the ride and remove temporary speed limits to regain punctuality and passenger comfort.