Epping Ongar Railway

EOR is delighted to announce two major steps forward, as we head towards the re-opening of the branch.

New Steam Engine for EOR!

We are pleased to announce the acquisition of our first steam engine! Her name is Isabel, and for those of you with a technical interest, the locomotive has an 0-6-0 wheel arrangement and was built in 1919 by Hawthorn Leslie and Co. Although historically these locomotives were mostly used for industrial purposes, Isabel is an extremely powerful engine, entirely suitable for the steep gradients on our Railway and, quite capable of hauling 2-3 coach trains on low season days. The locomotive also has an enlarged cab, and so is ideal for both training crews and for undertaking “driver experience” courses. The locomotive has a current boiler certificate and is ready to come to our Railway as soon as restoration of the infrastructure is completed.

New surface being laid on the Up Platform at North Weald

Meanwhile as part of the restoration, North Weald’s Up platform has recently been completed! This structure encompasses the original 4 coach platform, as well as extensions to the east and west, to enable us to run longer trains. All the extension pieces have been carefully moulded to match the original, and finished off with period lamp posts in LNER green. This week the final surface has been laid, topping off this project. In addition at the east end, the level crossing gates from Chitt’s Hill (the last manual operated gates on the Norwich line) have been installed. These are placed on the site of North Weald’s original level crossing which was closed in 1968, and are part of the works to improve footpath user safety and comfort and enable disabled access to the Up platform.

Up Platform and Level Crossing nearing completion at North Weald

Simon Hanney, General Manager, Epping Ongar Railway

As you may be aware, the Epping-Ongar branch has not run passenger trains for a while now. The branch is undergoing something of a transformation following the departure of the former owners (Pilot Developments), as major infrastructure improvements are being undertaken and completed, and I thought it might be prudent to summarise what has been achieved and some of the forthcoming works over the next few weeks….

At Ongar:
• The Grade II listed building at Ongar is being restored into authentic GER colours and its original room layouts. This has involved the demolition of 3x LU 1980 internal rooms, opening up original doorways, blocking up later doorways and replastering many rooms.

Ongar Station; restored to GER colours

• Removal of all LU’s many electrical surface conduits and complete re-wire of station to modern standards, all wire re-run via roof space and all new period “gas” light fittings, using original gas light ceiling roses.
• New telephone system and exchange well on its way to being completed.
• Station Frontage, Booking Hall, Ticket office, Parcel’s Office (to be museum and display area), General Waiting Room and Station Master’s Office all now restored. Ladies Waiting Room and Meeting / Training Room plastered and currently being prepared for decoration and new flooring.
• GER fireplace procured, restored and currently being re-fitted in the Booking Hall, opposite original ticket window with “gas style” uplighters on each side.

Former Spelbrook 'box arriving at Ongar

• On the signalling side, former Spelbrook signalbox on lifting cradle, ready to be lifted in to place once foundations have been dug and poured. Relay room being prepared for relay frame (already restored and waiting to be put together), new signalling system designed, and many location cases already wired up. Signal structures for Outer & Inner Down Homes and Advanced Up Starter already restored, ready to be erected. The inclusion of a outer down home signal will allow shunting in station while there is a train in section, plus signalled routes into Main platform and Bay Platform (former Milk Dock). Signal system will also include a King Lever to help facilitate a lower staffing requirement when DMU / DEMU (low season) operation.
• Existing covered engine shed facility: New lights added throughout to enable prepping of traction in all weathers and times of day. Pit fitted with lights and plugs. New workshop facility added.
• Original 1891 Porter’s Room and Footwarmer Hut completely restored, roof partly re-built. Inside re-plastered and restored to original condition, to act as new Staff Room, complete with butler sink and those all important tea making facilities!
• Finnish 5ft steam engines removed from their previous location on the run-round loop, some being re-housed.
• Completely new throat being laid (4ft8.5 inch throughout of course!), all component parts secured, awaiting lifting gear to be moved following imminent completion of North Weald (see below).
• Double slip being installed giving access into Platform 2 (Milk Dock) and Platform 1 (Cattle Dock), with headshunt for “shunt & release” operation from both platforms, in addition to the original platform (Plat 3) with its run-round. Both Platform 1 & 2 have new drainage and modified platform walls to HMRI standards.
• New platform lighting to be provided in GER period style using cast iron lamp posts

Rolling Stock
• Teams working on carriage restoration, including repainting 117 DMU into proper colours (BR Green), and getting the seats re-upholstered, with replacement lino (of correct original colour and pattern).
• Thumper (205205) – new fan clutch fitted and run-up for over 3 hours with no issues. No evidence of any tyres slipping from its delivery to NYMR, just scorch. Now oil pump self-primes, interior deep cleaned and apart from a handful of seat covers, ready for use. Fault identified with air brake being fixed and then just fitness to run exams before it can be test-run. Exterior currently being sanded down ready for repainting into BR Blue before re-entering traffic.
• 5t crane serviced, and jib currently being repainted. Ex DLR Ballast Hopper “twin bin” engine serviced to enable hydraulics to work.
• Tamper-liner (73xxx) purchased, in working order, and will be used to correct alignment faults and dipped joints.
• Steam engine 0-6-0st purchased (Isabel) and in working order, in ticket.
• Additional vac braked Mk1 & 2a coaches purchased, along with BCK, to make 5 coach set. A number of these coaches just need final few items attending to before entering traffic. The size of set will be varied depending on if using our loco or one hired in. Additional coaches have been purchased to make a 3 coach air braked set, with us looking at a “heritage branch set” in the future (watch this space!).

Meanwhile, at North Weald (the half way point, 5.8km from Ongar):
• At the east end of the site, two new sidings on former (1900’s siding), forming 2x 5 coach sidings are now completed.
• Main to loop point (NW13) laid and line extended to foot crossing, track laying paused while team works on Up platform and new footbridge.

GER lattice footbridge supports in place at North Weald

• Concrete footbridge condemned (due to section loss from reinforcing bar rusting and blowing concrete), and demolished. ORPS donated an original GER latticework footbridge from South Woodford , which has been sand-blasted, and is in process of being installed on the site of the old one.
• Up platform extended, to take loco + 5 coach (6x65ft), with additional circulation space at bottom of footbridge.
• New DDA compliant ramp installed to Up platform (disabled users crossing line using existing footpath crossing) – doesn’t sound much but was no small feat when you look at the geology!
• Cast iron lamp-posts installed down Up platform, asphalt being laid next week. More cast iron period lamp-posts being installed on other platforms to replace the 1980’s sodiums.
• Meanwhile at the other end of the station, a brand new tandem point has been installed to enable access both to Up loop (forming run-round loop) and also into the bay platform (formally goods platform). All ballast removed from Kiln Road bridge, bridge deck restored and new ballast plates installed. This is following all the bridges on the line being examined, given RA8 to RA10 clearance and minor remedial works programs put in place.
• North Weald goods platform re-built to modern standards, to enable shuttle service from North Weald Bay towards Epping. This will be fully signalled, so DMU / Thumper can be accepted into any of the 3 platforms.
• The signalling includes both bi-directional signalling through the main platforms, access into yard headshunt and sidings. The section to Ongar has an outer home signal to enable shunting within station limits and operational (4 aspect searchlight) auto distants. The King Lever is being retained, allowing North Weald box to be switched out when DMU / DEMU operation, or indeed future running towards Epping when passing is not required at North Weald on low season days.
• The 1865 station which oozed the charm of a country station is being restored into LNER / BR (E) colours. Inside many of its original GE features are retained, the Booking Hall has had the 1980’s LU ticket machine strong room demolished, opening up the room which has been replastered, and the original ticket office is currently being restored. The Ladies Waiting room is being brought back in to use, to provide baby changing as well as a separate ladies toilet.
• As with Ongar, North Weald has been completely re-wired, removing all surface conduit and replacing with period fittings. Outside the 1977 single ladies toilet lean-to was unsafe and demolished, this has allowed us to reinstate the original side access to the Down Main platform with a new ramp to DDA requirements, making step-free access to all platforms.

North Weald Signalbox

• Original 1888 signalbox restored, with 21 lever Saxby & Farmer frame freed off, rubbed down and restored. New relay rack installed, and relay room now completely wired-up. Location cases for North Weald completed and ready to be lifted into trackside areas.
• Point machines installed and serviced on all points mentioned above, just awaiting to be connected up to location cases.
• Chitt’s Hill level crossing gates (the last traditional manual gates on the Norwich main line), kindly donated by NR, are being re-hung at North Weald, where the original level crossing was (closed 1968). These will be interlocked, but mainly are “for show” or dummy use with filming work.
• Following completion of the asphalt on the Up platform next week the track will be re-laid down the middle of North Weald (connecting up the points already installed). The track was removed along the down main as LU had built it up for step free access to tube stock lowering the level again will facilitate easy access to our coaches for all our visitors.
• Track in the down goods yard is being completed.
• New unloading facility installed to facilitate easy and quick loading / unloading of stock in all weathers, comprising of a concrete pad with tram-way rails, made long enough to enable unloading “both ways”, also enabling us to use a low-loader to “turn” stock in the absence of a turn-table. Additional siding space and loco coaling facility to be included as part of the works at North Weald, which will also assist with materials handling in future (e.g. ballast).

Heritage Services:

One of the restored RT's which will work the 339 service to Epping Tube Station

As part of re-opening, we will be running restored RT & RM’s on the “339 Route” which runs to Epping Tube station, so visitors can come from London, and for their entry ticket enjoy three experiences; heritage bus, heritage DMU / DEMU and steam or loco hauled diesel, as well as visit the historic Ongar town, and WWII North Weald aerodrome.

I would like to highlight that due to H&S risks and the building works, we are unable to accommodate casual visitors to either station site, and the line is running engineering trains and is not a footpath!

And finally… Epping – well, like any heritage railway, we have to take things one step at a time. This could be a new platform on the north side of the existing station, hopefully close enough to present a viable interchange, but that depends on others. We are focusing on getting the branch smart, welcoming and operational first, before then looking towards Epping, BUT all the present works (layouts and signalling) have been designed with future running to Epping in mind.

Lastly, and very importantly, while some of the parts have needed to be undertaken by experienced contractors, as with all heritage railways, it’s the volunteers who are making it happen, and this posting is a testament to all of them who have been coming down, both the weekend and weekday gangs, and slogging away to get our picturesque 6.5 mile branch ready to run trains again. We will be thanking all those involved by giving them priority in the coming months when we start ops training.
There is lots more on this website, including weekly updates, news, signalling diagrams, rolling stock etc etc, so have a look around, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, or indeed fancy like joining our friendly team.

Simon Hanney,
General Manager, Epping-Ongar Railway
http://www.eorailway.co.uk/

We have recently overhauled the Rolling Stock page, which has been updated to include recent acquisitions and to better list the various items of rolling stock. These are now listed by section, making it easier to navigate and find out more about our rolling stock collection and a little about the history of the items. A big thanks to all those who have helped compile and proof read the information.

The Rolling Stock group would be delighted to hear from people wishing to find out more about helping out in this important area.

As an essential part of the re-opening, the more hands helping, the sooner the coaches will be ready to welcome our passengers. The Rolling Stock department offers a huge range of rewarding and interesting volunteering opportunities, from electrics to mechanical engineering, painting and varnishing the wood trims, laying flooring to upholstery, there is something for all tastes, ages and abilities. Find out more here. 

Simon Hanney, General Manager, EOR

On Sunday, 4 July, over 500 visitors came through the door at Ongar Station, all eager to see the extensive restoration work that has been achieved in and around the Grade II listed station buildings. The book sales and information area in the booking hall was thronged with people enquiring about the progress of the refurbishment, with many expressing interest in becoming members of the Society. Some local people were so keen that they insisted on filling in the application form and joining on the spot!

As a community project, we welcome volunteers, wherever they come from and we at the Railway have sometimes been disappointed that more local people have not visited the EOR – but this was not the case last Sunday! The 339 vintage bus service run in conjunction with the North Weald Bus Rally was very popular, with people visiting both events and connecting to the Central line at Epping.

Great interest was shown in our recently acquired “Thumper” unit; during the day it was started up several times, so that its unique sound could be sampled by all present.

Crowds gather around the Thumper diesel electric unit, currently undergoing restoration (Picture Steve Cooper)

Simon Hanney (General Manager), Bill Dale (EORVS Chairman), and Bob Gillman (EORVS Publicity Officer), gave regular talks throughout the day to visitors in the diesel unit and hear all about the current state of progress and the future plans for the railway.

Simon Hanney (EOR General Manager) updates with the latest progress and the exciting plans for the future, accompanied by Bill Dale (EORVS Chairman) and Bob Gillman (EORVS Publicity)

The railway had a prize draw, supported by our local farm shop Ashlyns (www.ashlyns.co.uk), and the winner of the hamper was Caroline Walker who visited with her father who is a local Ongar resident.

Simon Hanney (EOR General Manager) hands over the prize hamper to lucky winner Caroline Walker

Report by Bob Gillman, EORVS Publicity Officer

There is a rare opportunity to visit Ongar station, meet our friendly team of volunteers, see behind the scenes at the restoration works as we put it back into its original Great Eastern colours and ready the station for steam trains.

Ongar Station is being transformed, see more on the 4th July....

Ongar station will be open to the public on one day only on Sunday 4^th July (10am – 4pm).

Light refreshments available, as well as plenty of opportunity to find out more about your local friendly heritage railway. Entry to the station is FREE, and FREE parking available in Ongar Town Centre.

There will also be a heritage bus running in conjunction with the North Weald Bus Rally, running along the old 339 route between Ongar and Epping Tube Station. Bus Rally tickets are required to use this service (£8 per person, Children free); and also enables entry at North Weald aerodrome where 200 buses and coaches will be on display, Transport bazaar with wide variety of stands, Real ale beer tent.

Epping Ongar Railway is keen to inform and discuss the exciting re-opening of the railway with local community and interest groups.

As part of our commitment to this aim, the railway has presented or been represented at a number of local events and meetings over the last few weeks, for example:

* Ongar Annual Town Meeting (26th April)
* Ongar Town Forum (17th May)
* North Weald Preservation Society AGM (21st May)
and Roding Valley MRC Exhibition (22nd May)

The first three involved formal presentations; covering a little of the history of the branch, how it has now been saved for preservation, the works going on “behind the scenes” on the infrastructure improvements, the exciting plans for re-opening with steam and diesel and future possible links back to Epping.

At each of these, there was a chance for questions and comments, and all three meetings were very pleased to have been kept up to date with progress on their local heritage railway. Of course all the meetings were reminded that the best way to keep up to date with developments is to get involved at the railway, and the large range of volunteering opportunities to suit all ages. 

Bob Gillman (EORVS Publicity Officer) has been busy collating the next issue of the society journal, Mixed Traffic, and also the publicity stand which recently visited Roding Valley MRC. Bob reports;

“The Roding Valley MRC held their model railway exhibition in Leytonstone on Saturday 22 May, and a lot of interest was shown in the EORVS stand by many of the people attending. A large number of visitors took volunteer appeal leaflets and membership application forms, so I expect their will be some more new members swelling our ranks soon.

I was ably assisted by Dave Regan and Eddie Veckranges, who were extremely good at explaining the railway’s aims and objectives.”

The railway is committed to continuing to build and strengthen links with the local communities, and both entertain and inform about developments happening on the branch, as we work to re-open the line both to encourage green tourism as well as reinstate the transport link for local people.

EOR are delighted to announce the purchase of another coach as we further strengthen and expand our rolling stock. The railway has secured a British Railways Mark 1 “CK” (composite corridor) number W 16237, purchased from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway.

BR Mark 1 CK, recently purchased for EOR

This coach is vacuum fitted, and so will work with steam engines and most diesels, and further expands our “vac set”. The coach also is a corridor design / layout, with both first and second class compartments.

Looking along the corridor inside the "CK"

First Class Compartment on the CK