The London Water & Steam Museum, 23rd February 2023.

A slideshow of my visit.
Sadly, the Museum is currently unable run the engines under steam due to their 90 year old Lancashire Boiler failing it’s inspection in July 2022.

 

That's a bit weird, When I worked at Thames Water I was part of the project team that installed steam generators (making steam, not the electrical sort) in the 80's when the refurbishment was about 50% done and they needed steam to pre-heat the cylinders to get things moving. I thought all the original Lancashire boilers on site were written off then.

 

I visited towards end of last year and it was 'in steam'. Certainly steam available but I think the boilers are gas fired. Last I heard they were overhauling the small steam driven starting mechanism.

Sunnie


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Original Lancashire boiler running on coal, that would give Sadiq Khan a fit!

 

I think that's the Kempton museum you're thinking of.

 

Yes you are right picture fooled me

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Let's get stoking, then!
Pat

 

They just need to avoid the traffic cameras.


Before the usual suspects start jumping up and down. . .. Yes I know we are talking about a stationary boiler!

 

I fear the future of heritage railways going the way of this museum.
Cold static exhibits with emphasis of childrens learning by the use of plastic models, a play area and expensive cafe run by willing but unprofessional volunteers.

Just my impressions from when I visited.

 

If you knew anything about the museum, you would realise how misguided your criticisms are.

It is a small museum (in terms of staff/income) which operates the steam engines when it can, but COVID cause significant disruption to maintenance and staff accreditation. Their event boiler problems have made things worse.

Being a very niche museum, it has a strong community ethos - for this 8t gains considerable grant funding. As part of this, the museum allows community groups to use its venue for a range of activities. My All Aboard Club social enterprise runs play sessions for autistic and ADHD children in the museum.

The museum also provided valuable (outdoor) play opportunities for local families when COVID restrictions made these difficult elsewhere.

The cafe is run by a charity which provides valuable work opportunities for adults with learning difficulties. So maybe reduce your expectations next time and stop being so judgemental.

The future of museums will be very short-lived if you expect them to operate to your standards.

 

Yup, me too. Saw all the green and flywheels and didn't click I was looking at a double and not a triple