Longer term thinking

                                            

Vehicles on site, some longer-term thinking

In response to recent events, and part of an ongoing review, a new round of long term planning is being launched. Such planning is about aspiration, the direction to which should proceed. In retrospect earlier proposals for the eastern fields, for which planning permission was granted, was too ambitious. A disadvantage that was overlooked being the effect of taking the Restoration shed out of action for an extended period.

Since then our ambitions have been tempered by what is thought more achievable, a planning proposal championed by Peter and Allan Robinson developed the idea of an Exhibition Hall - this has several advantages. It is now awaiting a decision for the planning officer public consultation has been completed, and we expect results very soon (target date next week 23rd July).

What hopefully is acknowledged by the planning authority, is that a smaller and less costly construction also has merit. An exhibition will more closely meet the museum needs for under cover and display purposes. Retaining the engineering Restoration shed and reducing the problems of earthworks should aid the construction process.

Proposals concerning the future items of rolling stock in the eyes of both enthusiasts and more importantly the public, have been sent to the Board of Trustees. Based on an evaluation of Heads of Department, documents submitted by Mark House are a base to which a new plan can be written, and consideration given to what is restored and displayed where. It will raise questions of relevance/restoration cost and ability/and the practicality of use of vehicles.

 Looking forward, the next steps will be determined by the Trustees, it is expected that consultation will follow, to debate and collectively decide what action is required. Questions to be answered include, what is valuable, what can be restored in what time frame, potential disposals and what may be missing from our vehicle collection.

I Spy with my little eye

                                                            I-spy with my little eye.

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