News

Army Visit 17th - 21st November

2008-12-07T10:25:00.002Z

We had the honour of hosting the army, from the Royal Engineers at Marshwood near Southampton, at Ongar to help out with various tasks. This was valuable to the railway in that it helped with jobs that might otherwise take weeks to complete. The main task was to make up track panels ready for laying at the end of the platform toward Cripsey Brook. The other job was to look at the Rushton Shunter, which hasn't run properly for 3 plus years. Suffice to say these jobs were done and completed with great efficiency.

The team consisted of 6 members who worked on the track: they were led by Corporal Craig Garrick and lance Corporal Dave Lyons, then Corporal Puffer Smith (TA), Privates Bell, Emanuel Obeng and Ry (from Nepal). Initially the track was to be laid between the end of the platform and Cripsey Brook but it was decided to stick to one task of making up the panels instead of making them up and then trying to lay them at the same time.

The track team set about making up track panels, a very heavy and demanding job. This required a lot of effort using hand tools to lift the sleepers and rail sections in to place. As you will see from the pictures, it was done with a smile on their faces.

There were 2 members who worked on the Rushton Shunter and they were Sgt Dave Gorton (TA) and Cpl Scott Rule

The Rushton Shunter was checked over using the manuals and help from our resident mechanical team member Doug Pinkney. Sgt Gorton and Corporal Rule started by checking all the mechanics, oils and cleaning some of the mechanisms. The engine was fired up Thursday and she rolled on the final day, Friday, with our volunteer Bob Sell taking the controls on behalf of the railway.

I'd like to thank on behalf of Epping Ongar Railway, Warrant Officer Craig Taylor for organising the army trip and also the team who came down for all their hard work. Those of us present really enjoyed your visit and were very honoured to have met you all. THANKS

Open Day at Ongar: Sunday 16th November

2008-11-09T21:36:00.001Z

SUNDAY 16TH November Ongar Station will open to the public from 11:00 till 15:00

Why not pay us a visit to see how things are progressing. Volunteers will be on hand to speak to you about the work that is going on. How we are preparing for the return of steam and the refurbishment of the stations, Ongar and North Weald and when you visit us again you can see the progress we have made.

You can also see some of the collection of vintage buses, Routemasters, RTs, Titans, Greenline RF etc, parked in the yard

Teas, Coffees and refreshments at the Buffet Stop

Free parking

Ask about joining as a volunteer , ask for an application form from one of the volunteers

Saturday Hit Squad Hits North Weald

2008-11-06T18:56:00.002Z

The Saturday Hit Squad are an enthusiastic cross-department team that meets on Saturdays. We tackle achievable projects around the railway where we can make a positive difference, and help other departments on larger projects. The jobs we tackle are very varied, and are suggested / chosen by the team, hopefully taking best advantage of any dry weather!

This last Saturday (1st Nov), given the wet forecast we decided to look under North Weald station canopy. The team erected the scaffold, and were soon sanding and preparing the 120+ year old structure, removing the old LT paint back to a sound surface. This was then painted in wood or metal primer (pictured), ready for application of the LNER green & cream. Some interior painting of North Weald signalbox was also tackled during the heavier rain. Previous projects in the last few weeks the team have tackled has included re-roofing the Shark brakevan and also sanding / priming this vehicle.

The team is very relaxed and always has a friendly welcome and extra cuppa for new volunteers. Contact: Simon simonhanney@hotmail.com

EOR on the BBC

2008-08-25T15:12:00.002+01:00

BBC Essex visited the Epping Ongar Railway and interviewed a number of volunteers in July. The article is featured on the BBC Essex web site and forms part of their "Places of interest" series. The focus of the visit was to find out more about why people volunteer and what they get out of it. As you can imagine, the answers were many and varied.

See the full article on the BBC Essex web site here.

Shut-down Latest

2008-08-09T19:45:00.000+01:00

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.

Open Days at Ongar

2008-08-08T18:00:00.001+01:00

We held two very successful Open Days at Ongar. The first was on 22nd June, which was held to coincide with the Ongar Carnival. This drew a fare size crowd and people milling past the station saw our sign to say we open to the public. Lots of people, enjoying the good weather, streamed in and had a look around the station. There was a lot of interest shown about what’s happening and when we are likely to open. What we could tell them is that we are working towards reopening and possible dates muted are spring 2009.

Another Open Day followed two week later on July 6th that coincided with the bus rally at North Weald Aerodrome. The was a special bus service laid on by London Bus Company (nee Blue Triangle) and the collection of vintage buses that went back and forth to Ongar (Two Brewers) and stopped outside the station. Most of the passengers alighted for the station Open day. This produced a flood of people at the station and made for a busy and successful day!

Santa kept busy at North Pole station

2008-08-07T21:53:00.008+01:00

Santa is taking a well earned rest now after a busy christmas, some of which was spent at the Epping Ongar Railway at North Pole (Weald) station. He said that he had a lovely time meeting all the children (and adults) too and hopes that you liked your presents and had a very merry christmas. He'll be back next year to see you all again.