What's Happening at Epping-Ongar?

First I'd just like to congratulate you on the railway's great achievement, great job, and I hope for all the best.

Though I do have a question... When you do eventually build a new station at Epping, what shape and form will it take? I presume it will just be a single platform with a run round loop, right? Or indeed, most crucially, is there room for a run round loop? The facilities to run round your train may be something that most take for granted, but when you don't have it, it's a real pain...

Again, well done, and I'll watching the railway's progress with much interest...

 

Thanks for your kind words. The layout and format of any future platform at Epping is dependent on how close to the LU station we can get our new platform (which also may include asking LU to combine the two separate or move across their run-offs). The closer we can get, the more convenient and attractive the interchange could be to passengers of both lines (both visitors and locals), and also the easier it would be to include a run-round loop or loco release road as the geography changes from embankment to cutting.

Regards, Simon

 

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get to the EOR on Sunday (as I was crashing on a mate's floor in Vauxhall, it proved easier to go to the Bluebell, and I wanted to have a look in the C&W works at Horsted, being a member of the Gwili Vintage Carriage Group), but as I'm in London fairly regularly, it will definitely be on my hit-list over the next year.

 

Not sure if this is the right place, but it seems there are some sad people around.

ONGAR: Railway neighbours to launch petition (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Interestingly it seems diesel fumes are the main culprit.

 

Invite all of them to a day out on the railway and treat them like VIPs. Often, when people are shown around and things are explained to them with enthusiasm and good will then they often reappraise their views. There are of course those who will be set against anything but at least the railway will have "extended the olive branch."
When I served at RAF Brize Norton all the local dignatories and the local whingers were invited to see around the base and for a flight in a "Timmy TriStar", usually annually. Often, none of the whingers bothered of course but they were still invited. Give them a trip on a train and treat them well - it may even embarrass some of them.

 

Given the neighbourhood, my guess is the complaint is the paint job on the 31, not the fact it is a diesel.

 

We got some black smoke from 64-419 this morning in our bedroom window ,but as an enthusiast I quite enjoy the sight
sound and smell of steam . Nobody here complains about it . Good luck to Epping Ongar with dealing with your nimbys.

Keith

 

Yes, all you can do is lay it on with a trowel, maybe offer the local community discounted tickets or an annual pass according to postcode. Its a fact of life that you'll get someone complaining about it, but as long as you act on it sooner rather than later, it may help reduce the issue. You never know: today's opposition might be tomorrow's volunteers once the railway has established itself...

 

Well I attended EOR on Saturday as the cab rides were available then as well as Fathers Day ( though not a lot of people knew this). I managed a ride on the 31 and 6430 to Ongar from North Weald and the 37 to Coopersales ( twice!) and have to say that I could not have met a friendlier bunch of people anywhere. A terrific day, this truly is a wonderful railway with decent gradients and terric rural views.

The only cloud on the horizon was when the driver of the 37 had to stop the train as a bunch of local scrotes were busy spray painting the M11 over bridge.

Perhaps offering the locals a cab ride might be the answer, they might even recognise the scrotes!

 

We're considering paying a visit on Saturday, as it's only just up the road from the in-laws. Is steam in action each operating day? I'm assuming it's currently done top-and-tailed with a diesel?

 

When I went 2 weeks ago, it was 6430 top and tailing 31438 on set 1 (Mark 2 Blue Greys), and the 37 and an 03 top and tailing the other set (former Lymington EMU).

 

I wonder if they were connected with the graffiti attack at North Weald a short time ago - coach windows smashed, coaches tagged, bridges tagged etc. I hope someone got a good look at them. I think such vandals should be made to remove all their own handiwork and repair all damage at their own expense!

Nigel

 

This weekend (23rd, 24th) will be a bit different. 'Isabel' is expected to be running the Coopersale Shuttle, topping and tailing with an 03. The main service train is expected to be the 37 with the 31. Also, the other resident industrial loco 'Victory' will be in steam down at Ongar for the Ongar Carnival on the Sunday.

Steam is in action every operating day as much as possible (unless advertised otherwise), and yep, topping and tailing with a diesel...at least for a little while longer

 

Was thinking of going again this weekend but will wait until there is steam on the Ongar to North Wealds.

Cheers

Stan

 

Its a SMALL ENGINE SPECIAL at EOR this coming weekend.... Isabel will be hauling her first passenger trains on the branch on 23-24th June, with 03119 (also the first outing for this locomotive on passenger services) working the North Weald to Coopersale shuttle.

Meanwhile the Class 31 (31438) and 37 (D6729) will be operating 3CIG (which will have an additional coach to be a 4CIG!) on the Ongar to North Weald trains. When you get to Ongar, don't forget to catch the Ongar Carnival on the SUNDAY, and to celebrate the Carnival EOR has a special surprise guest in the parade, and Victory will be on-hand and in steam in the station to welcome and cheer the carnival going past.

Our heritage buses run from the front door of Epping Station, and all of this is included in your great value ticket, which you can book now online: Epping Ongar Railway - Tickets

 

Good luck with the weekend, see you when theres steam on the Ongar to North Wealds.

Stan

 

Neighbours of the railway living in Bowes Drive, Ongar say their weekends were ruined when smoke and diesel fumes from the newly-reopened Epping Ongar Railway line started pouring into their homes. They now plan to launch a petition to reduce the impact of the trains and have questioned whether the trains being used should be on the line.

See >>> ONGAR: Railway neighbours to launch petition (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Chris

 

Here we go, out come the killjoys and eco warriers trying to save the planet. Get a life thats what I say!

I will gladly swop my house with any of the complainers (Im only 20 minutes away!)

Stan

 

See posts 45 to 48 on this thread.

 

The EOR seems to be having a diesel weekend this weekend... Isabel failed, trains are running with the 03+37 and 31+03.

Wonder if EOR would buy 3F 0-6-0 47298 as it's up for sale ? .. a Jinty around here would be spot on.