Open Day at Ongar: Sunday 16th November

SUNDAY 16TH November Ongar Station will open to the public from 11:00 till 15:00

Why not pay us a visit to see how things are progressing. Volunteers will be on hand to speak to you about the work that is going on. How we are preparing for the return of steam and the refurbishment of the stations, Ongar and North Weald and when you visit us again you can see the progress we have made.

You can also see some of the collection of vintage buses, Routemasters, RTs, Titans, Greenline RF etc, parked in the yard

Teas, Coffees and refreshments at the Buffet Stop

Free parking

Ask about joining as a volunteer , ask for an application form from one of the volunteers

Saturday Hit Squad Hits North Weald

The Saturday Hit Squad are an enthusiastic cross-department team that meets on Saturdays. We tackle achievable projects around the railway where we can make a positive difference, and help other departments on larger projects. The jobs we tackle are very varied, and are suggested / chosen by the team, hopefully taking best advantage of any dry weather!

This last Saturday (1st Nov), given the wet forecast we decided to look under North Weald station canopy. The team erected the scaffold, and were soon sanding and preparing the 120+ year old structure, removing the old LT paint back to a sound surface. This was then painted in wood or metal primer (pictured), ready for application of the LNER green & cream. Some interior painting of North Weald signalbox was also tackled during the heavier rain. Previous projects in the last few weeks the team have tackled has included re-roofing the Shark brakevan and also sanding / priming this vehicle.

The team is very relaxed and always has a friendly welcome and extra cuppa for new volunteers. Contact: Simon simonhanney@hotmail.com

EOR on the BBC

BBC Essex visited the Epping Ongar Railway and interviewed a number of volunteers in July. The article is featured on the BBC Essex web site and forms part of their "Places of interest" series. The focus of the visit was to find out more about why people volunteer and what they get out of it. As you can imagine, the answers were many and varied.

See the full article on the BBC Essex web site here.

Shut-down Latest

You may be wondering what we are hoping to achieve during this extended shut-down and the team have pleasure in listing the key tasks from Ongar to Epping:
· Clearing Finnish stock, re-gauging the run-round loop and re-modelling the Ongar approach – this is to reinstate the run-round loop, so an engine can move around its coaches. It will also mean easier access to the loco facilities and safer shunting. The remaining Finnish stock is being placed at its own platform in the former goods yard, and will become a static display, and provide accommodation for a shop and possibly refreshment facilities.
· Install signalling of Ongar approach (possibly via ground-frames) to safely control the points in the station approach to HMRI standards.
· Undertake major reinforcing works on the embankment at Blake Hall, to stabilise the track-bed and increase the axle loading capacity of the branch.
· Correct track along the line to improve the ride and remove temporary speed limits to regain punctuality and passenger comfort.
· Reinstate the passing loop at North Weald, including restoration of both GER, BR & LT railway signalling at this station. Undertaking remedial work on the surface to the Up platform.
· Re-paint and restore North Weald booking hall (including rebuilding the open fire), improve toilet provision at both stations and finish minor station works at Ongar
It appears a long list at first, but with a few extra hands, the right equipment and a little kindness from the weather, fully achievable. 

For safety reasons, many of these overdue works cannot be carried out in conjunction with running passenger trains, and can be carried out quicker and more efficiently during a full line possession, as being increasingly used on the mainline. These works are all focused towards having a line which can host steam engines and result in one which we can be proud of and which offers our visitors a memorable experience. 

Other tasks that could be undertaken in the near future include work on North Weald footbridge (replacing flooring to reduce the structural loadings so it can be reopened), setting up temporary covered carriage and wagon facilities in the (former Finnish) loco shed to start work on the “Shark” brake van and setting up a museum and archives for the line.

Open Days at Ongar

We held two very successful Open Days at Ongar. The first was on 22nd June, which was held to coincide with the Ongar Carnival. This drew a fare size crowd and people milling past the station saw our sign to say we open to the public. Lots of people, enjoying the good weather, streamed in and had a look around the station. There was a lot of interest shown about what’s happening and when we are likely to open. What we could tell them is that we are working towards reopening and possible dates muted are spring 2009.

Another Open Day followed two week later on July 6th that coincided with the bus rally at North Weald Aerodrome. The was a special bus service laid on by London Bus Company (nee Blue Triangle) and the collection of vintage buses that went back and forth to Ongar (Two Brewers) and stopped outside the station. Most of the passengers alighted for the station Open day. This produced a flood of people at the station and made for a busy and successful day!

Santa kept busy at North Pole station

Santa is taking a well earned rest now after a busy christmas, some of which was spent at the Epping Ongar Railway at North Pole (Weald) station. He said that he had a lovely time meeting all the children (and adults) too and hopes that you liked your presents and had a very merry christmas. He'll be back next year to see you all again.