EPPING AND ONGAR

Not been able to find out much about this reopening next weekend. Any idea what's running?

 

I thought the original idea was to have Pitchford Hall, 4141 & Isabel all running for the weekend for the steam locos however what is the latest on 4141? I don't recall hearing anything about her overhaul recently.

I assume Isabel is operational aswell. She went to Colne Valley not that long back but hasn't operated at all it seems. Infact during her stay the CVR had to bring in Peckett No. 2000 as WD190 wasn't/isn't finished and quoted from the website 'Epping Ongars Isabel still in a non operational condition' yet last August the EOR stated she would be operating at the CVR over summer 2011. So is it operational or not? It also appears she is now back at EOR so it makes the CVR trip a bit random with apparent little purpose. :confused1:​

 

No doubt Simon will respond directly but I do like the Solari-type countdown clock on their Home page: Epping Ongar Railway - Home

 

4141 is still in bits in our shed at Llan. As with most steam loco overhauls, thing take longer than expected.

Although, 6430 is going on a low loader tomorrow, down to Epping....

 

There are timetables on their website, if you look hard:
Epping Ongar Railway - Timetables and Fares
and you can book tickets online
http://eorailway.co.uk/your-visit/booking-online/
but they do seem to be a bit quiet about the event. There have been very recent news items added to the website, but nothing about the reopening.

Richard

 

Last few times I looked the were recasting the timetable and nothing was up. I'll look later, thanks for the input.

 

Bit surprised the website has no info at all on what to expect from your visit during this opening weekend, nor does it say what is running or the fact 6430 is visiting. Seems a bit strange with less than 4 days to go....

 

6430 was going to be a "surprise" guest!! Will be updating website as soon as we have pics of her arriving.... other details are on our website under the timetable page for the event. Thanks, Simon

 

What i meant was, what locomotives diesel & steam are listed to run? Is there a shop? Sales stands? Attractions? Food/drink? There doesn't appear to be anything mentioned to do with the actual event apart from the timetable. Just seems a bit odd not to have anything listed when it's the biggest event for the railway in recent times with little over 3 days to go.

 

Saw 6430 on the M1 near Luton tonight heading South. Good Luck with the opening weekend

 

Certainly a surprise, it was the first I'd heard of it!

 

Kieran,

I agree that there's little info on the website and there should be a line-up somewhere to say what's running and what's not!

Due to an issue with a point on the run round down at Ongar, all services will be topped and tailed from Ongar to North Weald. 4953 is expecting to run top and tail with the Pannier that's just arrived, with 4953 running Chimney first on the Epping end, and pannier running Chimney first on the Ongar end for the opening weekend.

Diesel wise I'm not sure about though last I heard was that the 31 and 37 will be topping and tailing the 'shuttle' service from North Weald towards Epping.

The thumper, 25 and Isabel, as far as I'm aware, are not expected to be in service.

The plans are VERY likely to change, so don't take everything I've typed here as Gospel. Just think of it as a little heads up. No doubt Simon can confirm more details when he knows them.

As for other attractions, shops etc. No idea mate.

I hope this helps

Soap

 

Indeed, an update has been posted on the news section of our website with further details: Epping Ongar Railway – News

There is also lots of information about visiting the railway on our website, which has recently been updated.... Epping Ongar Railway - Visiting Information

You can book your inclusive ticket online, which covers all THREE experiences (Ongar to North Weald Train, North Weald to Coopersale train and heritage bus connecting to Epping Underground station every 30 mins) - discounted rover tickets available from our website: Epping Ongar Railway - Tickets

Thanks, and we look forward to welcoming you on board one of our trains, Simon

 

Re Isabel - Colne Valley were expecting a working loco, but during last inspection by EOR and delivery to CVR parts essential to the running of the loco went missing.

 

Just a quick TV alert - Epping and Ongar is going to be on BBC London Region news very shortly...............

 

I must admit im surprised the EOR have gone down the blue + grey route for their mk1 set given their loco fleet, maroon would've seemed the obvious choice. I imagine its going to become quite a talking point among enthusiasts...

Chris

 

I'm under the impression the blue and grey is a short term measure, until more restoration has been done on other carriages - I think the plan is to have a blue + grey mk2 set and a maroon + cream mk1 set.

 

Drove past Ongar station at 8pm last night. Definite activity and preparations going on, people on the track, bunting out, but no obvious signs up near the main road announcing a grand re-opening. Some very impressive large photo hoardings in place closer to station building showing pictures of how it used to be.

Anyone planning a visit by car think very carefully about parking as there is none at Ongar station itself and the public car parks in the town are very small. It would definitely make sense to park at Epping underground station (Large car park) and catch the bus as the website recommends.

 

Indeed this is correct... but we wanted a nice smart and matching train for the opening and the first service set, and Blue/Grey is the livery that matches all the coaches in this set. )

Regards, Simon, EOR