The railway may be closed during the Winter, however our teams are as busy as ever working on our rolling stock, track and buildings.
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In our locomotive workshop, work continues on Hunslet Austerity 192 Waggoner and A1X ‘Terrier’ W8 Freshwater. All our locos have to be dismantled every 10 years for a thorough boiler inspection and overhaul. The aim is to have both engines back in steam during 2022.
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In our carriage & wagon workshop a key Winter project is the complete repaint of LBSCR carriage 6349. Like all our wooden-bodied carriages, regular maintenance and repainting is required to keep it looking at its best. Our team are also working on the long-term restorations of Oldbury IWR 21 and LCDR 4115 – results don’t come quickly as a complete carriage restoration typically takes 4 to 5 years.
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Out on the line our track gang have been busy relaying track near Deacons Lane bridge. Each year we invest in new bullhead rail and sleepers – by tackling a section each year we’re ensuring the long-term sustainability of the line for future generations. Our Friday Gang continue to work throughout the year managing our lineside vegetation – they have 10 miles of fences and hedges to look after.
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A volunteer team have been very busy at Wootton station which now looks very smart and ready to welcome our first passengers on 20th March.
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Havenstreet station hasn’t been forgotten either. The station building and signal box, built in 1926 by the Southern Railway was in need of some TLC. We’ve commenced a significant project to repair the roof and a structural crack in the front wall. A thorough refurbishment and repaint will return this star exhibit to tip-top condition.
