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GWRPG News"William Murdoch" retubing underway at Southall Railway Centre – June 2007
GWRPG NewsNew Churchward exhibition at Southall Railway Centre – April 2007George Jackson Churchward (31st January 1857 - 19th December 1933) was one of the famous locomotive engineers of the Great Western Railway and was born in Stoke Gabriel, South Devon. He left school at sixteen and began working under the Locomotive Superintendent of the South Devon Railway at a time when the railway was still broad gauge. At nineteen he was transferred to the Great Western drawing office at Swindon where he became manager of the carriage works, then Works Manager and eventually Chief Assistant to William Dean. When Churchward was forty-five, he succeeded Dean as Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Superintendent (a title replaced by Chief Mechanical Engineer in 1916). He drew up his Standardisation Plan, restricting his engine classes to less than a dozen, using standardised boilers, wheels, cylinders, motion and tenders. His key ideas were influenced by America with regard to boiler design and France with regard to cylinder and valve configuration. The George Jackson Churchward ‘150’ Anniversary exhibition at Southall Railway CentreThe following subjects are highlighted from gathered information:
Further information about the life and work of G.J. Churchward is also on display, compiled by Raymond Horsley. The exhibition contains additional locomotive photographs supplied from the Ken Nunn Collection. Thanks to Graham Stacey of the Locomotive Club of Great Britain for his help and advice. We hope that all our visitors will enjoy and learn more about the Locomotive Designer G.J. Churchward from this Exhibition on show today. We would appreciate any comments and they should be directed to the exhibition originator, Edward Boxell. GWRPG NewsChairman’s Report – March 2007It is time to reflect on the achievements of the year past year and to put into effect the plans and proposals for 2007. Much progress has been made since our occupation of the area of the former Southall Diesel Depot which we now lease from Network Rail. Taking into account what little maintenance work had been carried out to buildings, services and the surrounding area over a number of years, it is a credit to all members who have been involved in the transformation which has so far taken place, of which we can feel rightly satisfied. While there is still much more to achieve in the area of our operation, the buildings are now more presentable, particularly in respect of the original Boiler House, which has been transformed into a very attractive Refreshment Room and Exhibition area as well as an area for a shop. There are many other areas which we intend to improve, and work on these project will continue during the current year. On the restoration side, members will by now be aware that the current year has seen the return to steam of RSH Birkenhead, which was put into action on the last two of our Open Days, providing, whilst only on a short demonstration run, rides for our visitors. Work on the TSO coach has also been put in hand with a view to it being used on operational work on completion later this year. Clearly, there is need for considerable attention to the track work within our current area to enable the safe movement of stock. It is also proposed to carry out a major overhaul of Peckett 0-4-0 No. 2100 William Murdoch during the early part of the year to provide additional steam attraction to our activities. The group is custodian of this locomotive for the owner – Portsmouth City Council. Should you wish to assist in this work, then please contact me.
During 2006, a number of Open Day events were held which attracted both members and visitors to the Centre, and it was a delight to see many of our faithful supporters of the pre-1997 period visiting us. Let it be said that we are now back in business and intend to make the most of the opportunities that are available to us and for which our thanks are given to the current Network Rail team for the support we are receiving, particularly in regard to the extension of our activities. The full 2007 Season of Events is published on this web site, and is now being publicised locally and nationally with extended steam and diesel operational running planned on the advertised dates.
GWRPG News 2007Southall Railway Centre: 2006 review - January 2007Southall Railway Centre has seen much action and activity during 2006 and the pictures indicate what has transpired over the last year.
Southall Railway Centre (SRC) is set to be open more during 2007 and all dates will be included on the website very shortly. The GWRPG Directors and Members welcome all to join us at SRC, view our stock, take rides on our trains and generally participate in London’s only Railway Heritage site. For information, please contact us by telephone or email and your enquiry will be dealt with as soon as possible.  |
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