Just a very brief update of some of the progress made over the last few days….
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th saw the team working at North Weald, progressing on with the signals works as well as continuing the restoration of the BR 20t Brake van. The signalbox at North Weald is currently undergoing a tidy up prior to the locking adjustments, and just before track is re-laid down the up platform, the chance was used to park the EOR van beside the platform edge to help with this task – in future we will no-doubt be using rail vehicles for this job!
Monday 17th; Chris and Simon were joined by two new volunteers, Robert and Tim (both involved with Craven’s Heritage Trains), who came down to assist with the tidy up. As part of this we also loaded and delivered the former Ongar Relay Rack to Epping Signal Cabin, where it will be preserved as part of the cabin restoration project. EOR was delighted to be assisting with ensuring the frame has a fitting new home, and can be preserved for future generations.
Tuesday 18th; the Tuesday Gang worked at Ongar, continuing the restoration of both the Porter’s Room, Janitor’s Store, as well as the Station Master’s office. The first two had additional coats of paint, while the office window was re-pointed, and the GE bars on the windows wire-brushed for repainting while the sash’s are removed for restoration. The Porter’s Room project is fast nearing completion and is looking very smart in its GER colours, ready to be used as a staff rest room. This has only been possible thanks to the hard work of those involved – well done!
Thursday 20th; the Thursday gang continued on their projects, finishing off the ridge tiles on the Porter’s Room roof, and other members of the team working on both electrical works as well as station restoration. The Telecom’s team worked at Ongar, installing a new exchange for the BT phoneline. Wires have already been run for some of the telephones that will be inside the building.
Meanwhile the C&W team continued the work inside the coaches: In TSO 5005 the Epping end vestibule was given a coat of woodstain but will need 1 possibly 2 more coats. Cut out rotten flooring by toilet entrance, cut a new batten & refitted metal treadplate. TSO 4925; cut & fitted a new plywood panel to replace one what was missing below plumbing access cupboard in Ongar end vestibule.
The Thumper team continued work on the preparation of the exterior for repainting, doing an excellent job removing paint from the Ongar end and continuing work on treating and patching smaller rust pockets. All this work is to ensure that the unit is restored and smart for when we once again welcome our visitors.
As you can see above, there has been lots going on, and thanks must go to all the teams and individuals that come down on all these projects, that will enable the railway to re-open.
Report by Simon Hanney, EOR General Manager