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