Here is a digest of some recent activity at the museum that I have personally noticed, although much more was done out of sight and in lockdown. Thanks go to all of those who contributed in the list below - literally too many for me to accurately record individual actions, but be assured that “every little helps”. if your project or activity is not mentioned, then a little request, bring it to my attention for inclusion in Chappel News and next time around it can feature in more detail.
Front field car parking is improved with a new surfacing we hope resists water ingress and guarantees car park capacity during periods of inclement weather.
Visitor Reception Centre has recently received some redecoration; some rearrangement of staff work stations, a staff protection screen has been installed.
Hand sanitiser stations are being installed around the site and social distancing measures in hand for public safety.
Painting footbridge handrails.
Works in progress for refurbishment of the Platform 2 café. Refurbishment involving new flooring and counter arrangements.
New Disabled toilet on Platform 2 in service.
Clearance of weeds and detritus from Platform 2 surfaces, this being required as the café needs an outdoor seating area. New plants placed in planters.
Unsightly chain linking fencing has been removed from Platform 2 South and along the mainline.
Team Wednesday’s 27 panels of black plastic picket fencing have been installed from the level Crossing down to the running shed location.
Repainting in many areas, Crossing gates, signal posts, Goods Shed ramp as well as Viaduct pub, works are in progress at the Cattle Dock.
Running shed roof panels attached and concreting of east-side walkways in progress.
Appraisal of vehicles stored on South sidings started as part of longer term planning.
Platform 3 and North Box have been enhanced by the attachment of signal and Telegraph cables to cable trays.
Exterior clean of Mark 1 coaches, including the neglected “Network Rail facing – west sides”. Clearance of rust and top level rain channels.
Action to sort, tidy and relocate Signal and Telegraph stores
Restacking stores - better storage within containers.
Painting of South Sidings ground frame, Platform barrows, heritage lamppost.
Team Wednesday workshop tools and materials upgrade.
Continued attention to museum administration archive
Miniature Railway
Thompson Green station buildings, internal fit out continues, a realistic booking office is now in place and period panelling placed in the interior. Externally Water Column bases are being built, alongside the ballasted track that now extends from the Locomotive Container, past a part painted Signal box, through the station to within sight of Spring Gardens Road.
In the workshop
Locomotive 69621
“The N7” (which of course is shorthand to railway people) Shunted from south sidings, after freeing seized parts, to reside over locomotive pit for inspection and first removal of fittings.
For more general appeal, layman understanding and labour and fundraising, could usefully be described as the “East London Suburban tank locomotive”? Publically announced decision to start restoration works.
Great Western “TOAD” Brake Van
To ensure safe operation work is proceeding on its running gear so to be an effective braking vehicle. A train consisting of stock capable of social distancing stock, that is itself, an open wagon, and a compartment coach.
Diesel Railcar Class 101 trailer
This is the best example of an original railcar; it had been previously retrofitted with tungsten lighting and retains its original Formica panels. Welding repairs have been taking place to the structure, replacement door thresholds made an added. To further enhance originality, removal of automatic warning system has taken place; this modification also simplifies wiring, and removes some liability of 60 year old electrical wiring. When repainting restarts it shall be out-shopped in Rail Blue livery to match its Power car.
Model Railway rooms
Attention has been given to the layouts in the public exhibition room Halstead has gained many more buildings and is being worked on at pace.
Other examples of detail that have recently occurred include; provision of micro-lighting within model buildings, adding to the authenticity of night-time running. A Permanent Way possession is taking place on the dockside connection, to avoid derailments! Even small scale track needs attention to gradient and geometry.
Phil Ainsley
16 07 20
