Museum department news July 2021

 

Museum department news July 2021

These notes are now compiled by a combination of Head of Department minutes compiled by Colin Burwood and social media posts (as this form of communication is becoming more dominant). It is not possible here to record all actions on site, so day to day reporting is best seen on the “WhatsApp” postings, these are seen by over 60 people. 

Estates & Plant

Norman Tenner and Robert Page are leading equipment training about strimmer use. Weed spraying equipment has been purchased and adapted to fit the tractor. Initially two people will be trained in how to use it. 

Richard Gourlay assisted by Aimee, Chelsea, Adam and Matthew have externally painted the south side of Gresley coach alongside Platform 6. It is known that the coach is to remain on site, what is not yet known its internal display space will be re-equipped with.

Proceeds from a second container of scrap metal raised a useful £716. A ride-on mower is now fully operational proving it’s worth with grass cutting in small areas and carrying equipment around the site using a trailer donated by Martin Gibbons.

For those with an interest in environmental items, a new “Heritage Rail Ecology” Facebook group has been set up, with several EARM members contributing. To help manage cuttings made from pruning and weeding activities around site, new composting bins have been provided. 

Team Wednesday 

All credit to the team, with not one but two completed projects! TW are happily back to near full strength and they have proven themselves ready for new challenges. Being quite expert at removing and re-purposing buildings, the former B1 building is now stripped ready for removal. This is required to accommodate the new Exhibition Hall (CN82 /Aug2020). Taken into stock is a large quantity of timber and insulation material. 

Completion of their second project, was re-roofing and repairs to the infrastructure workshop (PW and S&T), formerly MiniRail loco shed. 

TW are now starting their next big project, to use what can be salvaged from the Luggage Composite coach of 1888, to be the face of a Viaduct pub extension. Tim Rice has prepared a virtual illustration of what may be possible. It is expected to have a "new build" back, and have the facade at best endeavours with what material is salvaged.

 

Carriages & Wagon

Work on the BCK is progressing and is expected to be ready for Thomas events at the end of August. A brake problem on the BS has been rectified which was difficult to isolate. Replacement flooring is being placed in the HiBar wagon, which is destined to be a wood store outside. 

Permanent Way 

A plan to tackle out of gauge track in the yard area is being put together by Andrew Cullum and others. This will involve significant excavation and replacing previously assembled track panels. Add to your diary November for major track-gang works - subject to confirmation from Operations.

Signalling

All equipment remains operational, with maintenance tasks and inspections being completed as and when due, the most notable being North Box, which has a full frame inspection and test.

Miniature railway 

A third and fourth new passenger coaches have been delivered, two borrowed from Barnards have now returned. Entrance gates for the station installed to regulate entry and exit of customers. Training and assessing of additional staff for driving and station duties is progressing.

Exhibition Hall works.

 

Exhibition Hall works

Preparatory works are in progress, requiring diversion of services, and Team Wednesday stripping down the former B1 building to its steel frame. A crane contractor will be called upon to move the frames southwards lower into the engineering field, to establish a covered place to store plant and machinery.

All drawings for the Exhibition Shed foundations, levels and steel work have been approved, the Council have passed a conditions document. Allan Robinson is progressing through Building Regulations with the architect.

Foundation work is planned  to start in August, for construction it is necessary to soon block off the current staff car park for which new barrier signage is to be provided.

Contractors are expected to erect the steel frame and roofing in late October. Internal fit-out works are yet to be planned and progressed by the museum, as finance and labour permits. 

Events Feedback ( late May to July 2021)

 

Events Feedback ( late May to July 2021)

May saw the return of the Transport Event taking place over the Spring Bank holiday weekend, this event is now well established with a significant input by the Cornell family.  Andrea was kept busy keeping contact with the various clubs. Admission figures were good, with 220 visitors in Saturday, 270 Sunday and 348 on the Bank holiday.

A very successful “Home Fleet Diesel Gala” took place on Sunday 18th July 2021. It featured principally the launch into public service Waggon und Maschinenbau (W&M) Railbus E79963

Pre-event Facebook publicity was prepared for the event by Neil Temlett , Craig Greenslade is helping us the museum with video promotions

https://www.facebook.com/earailwaymuseum

A post recently added also included a non-railway story, the rescue of a cat outside the museum, its a lively 

forum which  6,648 people follow !  

A comprehensive booklet was produced for the event by Jack Plumb, a portion of which is re-produced above, highlighting the fleet of six and during the day its more complex movements. Over 170 people enjoyed a ride in the Railbus that worked perfectly. It’s trials and tribulations during restoration have featured many times in Stour Valley Steam, within editions 152, 156, 164 and 168.

During its first public outing it was an extremely hot day and driving at the control desk gave new meaning to the term “hot desking”. It is yet to be found out what it's like in colder weather; as it is a four-wheeled vehicle a greater level of care will have to be taken during times of poor weather with reduced rail adhesion.

Museum Opening - post lockdown arrangements

 

Museum Opening - post lockdown arrangements

The Museum 

Is now open on Wednesdays and the weekends over the summer, with events already planned. Consideration is being given to opening on further days during August. 

Darren Johnson has produced 1000 advertising flyers, sponsored by Martin Gibbons. Members are distributing at hotels, B&Bs and, caravan sites in the area, further flyer leaflets will be produced when events are confirmed. Volunteers will need to exercise their own judgement regarding mask wearing and social distancing whilst working on site.

Days out with Thomas

Will be held Saturday 28th to Monday 30th August; after a significant amount of effort by the engineering teams to get locomotives and carriages with fit to run confirmation.

Braintree & Halstead Model Railway Club 

Are now re-opening for club nights, and their display room after having to stay shut for over 15 months. For the diesel gala their Lymswold display featured a W&M Railbus and class 04, adding some interest for children. 

Small Trains Day will be held on the Sunday10^th October.  [ not the 18th October ] 

News on current projects is posted on a separate web site Braintree & Halstead MRC

EARM promoted Beer Festival from 7^th to 11^th September

Brendan Sothcott reports it has been planned to hold a smaller. Currently there are sadly still uncertainties, which results in a 75% chance of operating. Restrictions will apply, the main ones are:  Admission by advanced ticket sale only, two sessions are run daily (except Tuesday), entry from 11:00 to 17:30 and second session 17:30 to 23:00. Beers served in Goods Shed – the consumption of beers has to be outside.

Beer Choice will be reduced to about 100 beers and many ciders.  A smaller range of food offerings, Vegetarian and Vegan options are offered, but these do sell out early. There will be no bands playing or public camping, nor can children and animals be welcomed this time around.

 

 Please keep browsing for updates: chappelbeerfestival.org.uk  

COVID Recovery Grant Outcome and other grant possibilities

 

COVID Recovery Grant Outcome

 

Peter Robinson writes, many of you will be aware that the Government allocated £250m to support the recovery of cultural organisations (including museums) to return to full operation through the summer of 2021.

 

The museum applied for funding through this scheme via the Arts Council to both replenish lost reserves and enable us to reopen our doors to visitors as we used to pre-COVID, however I am sad to report that we have not been successful. Feedback for the decision is limited, but is likely to be related to the huge volume of applications compared with the amount of funding available. To put this into perspective, only 10% of accredited Museums have been awarded grants, with the majority of recipients being from the arts, music and theatre sectors.

 

This outcome means that the Trustees are now considering how our reopening plans through 2021 may have to change, although we are still confident that the future of the Museum is secure.

 

Please look for more updates as the COVID situation develops.

 

DEVELOPMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS

Phil Ainsley writes that there are other forms of funding, besides trying for some help with  revenue support. 

Our museum may consider seeking further development  grants in future. These applications can only really be successful if proposed schemes meet the requirements of a grant-making body. Of these there are many hundreds, with hundreds of stipulations and requirements of the potential funder.

It's not an easy task,  because applications have to contain more than an aspiration and a proposal. Often the first step in an application is a financial audit  on two years of museum accounts. Following that there may be a requirement for  match funding , professional  specialist knowledge sought and referees engaged before a grant application can be made.  

In a recent tele-conference Andrew Cullum and David Reeve listened to  a presentation suggesting potential winning ways, those bodies  that potentially could be applied for are listed below, with an indication of the  funding range  available.

AIM: Biffa Award: History Makers	Average £65,193
American Express - Philanthropic Programme	No Max or Min
Architectural Heritage Fund	up to £15,000- £350,000
Arts Council - National Lottery Project	between £1,000 – £100,000
BIFFA Award	£250,000 and £750,000 (Partnership grant)
Clore Duffield	£500 - £507,000
Esmee Fairbairn/ Museums Association Collections	Up to £250,000 over five years
Essex Community Foundation	up to £15,000
Essex Heritage Trust	£100 to £10,000
Garfield Weston Foundation	£1000 - £350000
Lord Barnby’s Foundation	£1,000 – £5,000 (no maximum amount is specified)
Museums Essex: Small Grants	£500
Pilgrim Trust	Main - £5000 + Small - £5000 or less
Sainsbury's Family Trust	c. £50k + (depending on funder)
V&A (ACE) Purchase Grant Fund	£250 - £50,000

Having listened during this event, the museum is now in a better informed how to approach  prospective grant makers. 

At this time no grants  being sought from funders, it will require a group effort with an agreed project on which we all are agreed and willing to take to completion.  After a period of recovery it may be possible to approach Grant making trusts. It would be a great help if any reader has an interest to progress a project as part of a team in future.

It is the museum’s experience  incremental customer improvements drive customer satisfaction, these  have the most immediate effect on museum finances. To  progress with grants requires as much determination  as money making through our own efforts in the normal way.

Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS)

 

In many areas of museum works and railway operation are attracting increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. There is no defence of being amateurs, so it is important we follow guidelines that will be given by HoD’s. An example is re-produced in its draft form, it describing a Scrap recovery day which has recently taken place.

 

Risks are identified then measures noted to reduce them, below is an example of how one looks. I realise its small text; this is an example to just show the format and how much thought is required to produce a RAMS document.

Full sized  text will be readable if a RAMS document is circulated to you, or you may be referred  to  a reference copy.  An activity may start highlighted as a Red or Yellow  risk,  but be reduced to a Green/safe operation after mitigation by the procedure written. These will be issued by HoDs when the need arises for new works, or reference to documents held in the Traffic Office.

This RAMS described the work necessary to reduce an unsightly scrap pile in plain sight in the engineering field. All should be aware that our site should be improved visually. In the photo opportunity world of today, its best to keep our scrap orderly stacked, ideally out of sight, and for stored components in the set- down area which is  more of a credit to the museum.

A number of ladders can be seen in this pile, action was taken to only have safe ladders on site, resulting in a number sent for scrap. A recent Mailchimp briefing has re-enforced the need to safety assess the need for access equipment.

Edward Paxman of Colchester, engineering heritage

                                    

It is with regret railway engineering is often outsourced to distant enterprises who often prefer an assembly function in this country. So it is with regret to record the passing of Paxmans diesels of Colchester, a pioneer of diesel traction. This company was well known as manufacturer of engines for Deltic locomotives and HST Power Cars.

                                                       paxman history pages

 

Paxmans long association with railways, is fully explored in the following pages.

Paxman's and railways

It would be impossible to summarise the range of information available on this web site, what is worth recording that the heritage and successes of a local engineering firm is recorded and appreciated. This in a small way is something that can be developed at the museum as a nameplate has been donated by the former owners of a HST Powercar.

Jack Plumb was able to secure from his employers the nameplate, receive by Jaki on behalf of the curatorial department in future a display is to be developed to mark the role of local industry in the story of railways. Paxman developed powerful high speed diesels,  deployed in Deltic locomotives on East Coast line duties, following that Valenta engines originally the power behind the success of HST trains which were more widely adopted across the country.

Paxman’s last diesel engine  development was the  VP185 in 1987. During the late 1990s twenty-five HST power cars were re-engined with Paxman 12VP185L engines in order to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

HST’s have now been re-engined with MTU units and taken up secondary duties, principally as reduced length trains on Great western and Scotrail.

In preservation Power cars have been donated by Angel Trains  43018 to Crewe Heritage Centre, Porterbrook donated 43048 and 43089 to the 125 Group. Both moved to the group when their lease ended with East Midlands Railway. Today there are no production power cars fitted with a Paxman Valenta engine, although the 125 Group have reinstalled a Paxman Valenta in the surviving prototype power car, 41001 (formerly 43000).

“Building back better” - A snapshot of recent works

 

“Building back better” -  A snapshot of recent works

 

While it is true it might be lazy to copy a phrase from politics of late, “Building back better”,  it is what museum members have  been doing after closed lockdown period ended. . This article  is just a taster of works undertaken, and apologies for not been exhaustive in naming names,  but it shows the ongoing commitment of our membership to develop the museum, thanks to all.

 

Rolling stock inspection and test routines recommendations have been updated by the ORR (Office of Road and Rail) who are an independent safety and economic regulator for the railways. It is responsible for ensuring that railway operators comply with health and safety law.

 

Modern standards dictate that the structural integrity of coaches has to be attended to and recorded. This work has required surgery in which case surgeons Martin, Sermons and Sothcott were attending to the patient with others in  attendance.  Work is required on most of our rolling stock, the first completion being the BS (Brake Second), then moving forward to the BCK (Brake Corridor Composite) which is currently in the workshop. It’s not  just rusty panels and rot around window frames which were its previous ailments, but structural strengthening of the carriage ends/corridor connections areas. When steel plate rusts, it buckles and making floors to be unstable and its noted doors may require more support as well.

Visual improvements have taken place Platform 1 have painted by Norman Brown and Gradient posts by Mike Nicholls.  Buckingham Green paint has been applied to railings and platform benches on Platform 3 by a team led on the day by Richard Gourlay.

 

It is welcome to record Team Wednesday are returning following the shutdown period, their first task being  progressing  re-roofing the P-Way and S&T infrastructure hut.  (Former East-side MiniRail shed)  Led by Gordon Humphris, Mick Judd, Phil Leggett, Norman Tenner, and Keith Thomlinson have been seen adding extra roof boarding and tacking felt sheets to the roofs.

 

In the Goods Shed south circulating area Robert Guest, Niall & Hayden Thorogood, Michael Bradley, Albert  and other members of our Mini-rail team have been active using the compacting machine to achieve a smooth surface, and removing a dangerous brick crane staircase. Most of these works are illustrated in either EARM Events and Projects What’s App group for general works and Facebook group for S&T and Locomotive engineering.

 

Ongoing works have seen the completion of cladding the two external walls to the new Running shed, the next major activity will be construction of doors.

 

Allan Robinson is also to soon start work on re-tubing No.54, I am told this is the third time around. Having also re-tubed No.11 and Jubilee at least twice, he knows how to do it but as always anybody pitching in to help is appreciated.

 

Other works that are just starting are utilities diversions to enable construction of the Exhibition building. 

N7 East London Surburban tank locomotive news

 

N7 East London Surburban tank locomotive news

 

Michael Sanders leads the team progresing this restoration, the most recent visible works of images of the tanks and buffer beam being sign written by Peter Whitaker in the following photo. This  locomotive is  painted post war unlined ‘LNER’ black with the number 9621. It  received this number after the Thompson renumbering scheme in 1946, and is appropriate as the loco was rebuilt into its current guise as an N7/4 variant  with the round topped firebox at that time.

A very high gloss finish has been achieved, following  extensive paint prepartion by the team that includes , Robert Varletta, Amy Rogers, James Jaegar , Josh Fortescue , Dan Stevens and Matt Cornell with others pitching in.

Much effort has been expended on the frames which has included mainly cleaning down and painting various parts. Coatings of primer then undercoat were applied before  a few coats of Vermillion red all over.

The left hand Valve spindle has now been removed  the forward piston ring didn’t exist as it’s remanence was found at the front of the cylinder. This was suspected as the cause of the poor timings experienced as the loco entered its last few weeks in traffic up at the Churnet Valley. All the valve pistons and rings will be replaced an measurements taken of the bores.

 

       Updates are shown areimages from the Facebook group named  “Chappel MPD Unofficial”.

 

As this is a private group, you can request access from Michael and receive updates like the one re-produced below.                                          

Chappel News 84/ May 84 Editorial and Generation X

 

Chappel News 84  May 2021 EDITORIAL

 

The museum’s  railway is coming back to life after an exceptional year, you will receive separate Mailchimp mailings about operational and event guidance and current Covid notes.

During the lockdown match work has been completed by museum volunteers liaising between themselves using “WhatsApp” a mobile phone application, but not everybody wants to use that method.

This is where CHAPPEL NEWS hopefully comes in – in these notes a summary of some of these threads on social media can be reported  to you in this newsletter. Communications nowadays have different audiences, it is acknowledged that the  written word has its palce in the mix, so here is a digest of some events and items of interest.

Conversations have taken place regarding general communications between the Membership Secretary, Volunteer co-ordinator amd Chappel News reporter and agreed a way forward. It is the last thing we want to do is swamp you with communications or deny news it's a tricky task sometimes to get it about right.

MailChimp is being used by Martin as volunteer coordinator to call people together for work parties or a second wider circulation to all members for more general subjects. Chappel News will report across the whole range of activities within the museum.

 

 

 Progress on the N7 locomotive continues; this photo shows a removed cylinder front cover to allow for inspection of the bore pistons and rings . Further notes have been  taken  from Michael Sanders Facebook postings are re- presented on pages 3&4..

Generation X

 

As we go back into operating mode and opening as a museum,  it is  hoped there may  be a” bow wave” of people wanting to visit a museum on day trips or during staycation holidays. Marketing has re-started to sell the museum, as a venue and possibly a good place to regularly visit.

Our museum has a good selling point as it is such a large open area. Visitors  experience vintage railway journeys, explore museum displays, and then can either eat and drink at Platform Two, or picnic in the event field. These features are published by the museum’s social media Instagram  Facebook postings, and Marketing mailings originated by Neil Temlett in the VRC with Amy and Ross enticing customers to Platform Two Cafe.

Is also fifty years since the first trains ran in 1971, Jack Plumb has produced a suitable headboard and will be proudly displayed this year.  If you consider a family visit back in those days,  a family of Mum Dad and two children visiting, it can be  roughly assumed  parents may have been around aged 30. Today those same parents could be  grandparents, or promoted to great grandparents, maybe  around an age of 80.

Circumstance’s change, our  future visitors may now have children typically  later in life , so if we assume a family visit of four, parents may be around an age of 35 plus . Those parents might be born in mid-1980’s, in generation speak that's known as generation X.

Events at that time included, a Miners strike ending,  EastEnders BBC1 soap opera goes on air, first mobile call is made,  and first version of Windows is launched by Microsoft.  Music genres like punk and techno were being listened to – all  giving an idea of change that has taken place. It reminds us  there is a great change in  people’s experiences when  visiting .

                                      

  Our challenge here is to have new visitors and volunteers from  , as it is a fair to say while actual original steam knowledge is more easily found in Baby Boomers and the Silent generation, new people need to be attracted to our work parties and operating crews. 

Our Volunteer Co-ordinator Martin, has pointed out these are also the people we need to attract to become volunteers at Chappel. Time is limited and skills may not be easier to come by, so an attractive offer has to be devised. 

It could be  the museum becomes  a rewarding hobby away from home,  offering comradeship in shared endeavours. Possibly skills can be developed, a break away from electronic gadgets and games, a chance to be physically active without a gym membership, a place to belong and take on interesting challenges.

Museum membership fees not demanding in monetary terms, so there is no immediate barrier to entry like buying expensive equipment. New volunteers are likely to  be time limited; so, it maybe we have to be more receptive to organising for volunteers. Tools and equipment to be in good condition and in known locations being an example. Photos to identify people will help in recognising regular volunteers, perhaps with  a “Go to “ list who to ask about various subjects. To develop these ideas please come forward with offers of help to do this or add other some suggestions.  

Whatever generation we look at, as a visitor or volunteer, it is a clear requirement to have a good time in  good company, it is hoped the museum can provide both.