There has been lots of progress since our last update. As you may have seen on our News page, the surface has been installed on the Up platform, and in addition the former Chitt’s Hill level crossing gates have been re-hung on the site of the former level crossing. This will compliment the GER latticework footbridge and used as a decorative feature and for filming.
Meanwhile the teams have been continuing their hard work on the myriad of rewarding and important tasks, all part of the re-opening program. The pway team continued with greasing fishplates last Sunday, and the S&T team are continuing their work on the location cases for Ongar and starting to get North Weald ready to be commissioned.
Our Tues gang is going from strength to strength, and following the completion of the decoration in the Station Master’s office and Parcel’s office (which will be used as an educational and display area), are now turning their attentions to pushing ahead with the restoration of the former Ladies Waiting Room, which will become a Family Room, complete with baby changing facility. Following this, they will move onto the final room, the Meeting and Training Room, before then turning their attentions to North Weald.
Our engineering teams have also been busy, with the restoration and rubbing down of (formerly) “Blue” Ruston 88, which is being repainted into a more authentic livery. The teams have been removing old paint, drip marks (!) and rust ready for its new coats, cab restored and replacement windows. The Ruston is currently under-cover in the engine shed, so its an ideal time to do it before it has to move outside to make way for other items to get over the pit.
These works are only possible thanks to our friendly and enthusiastic team of volunteers, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and their team leaders for all their efforts, especially as we move towards getting the railway operational.
Simon Hanney, General Manager, Epping Ongar Railway