SURVIVING SWINDON TURNTABLE COULD BE RESTORED

A surviving turntable at Swindon Works could be restored – with the possibility that it might one day turn locomotives again.

Pictured in Return Ticket, SR506, the turntable is Grade II-listed and adjacent to the former pattern store, which is being converted to a church after previously housing a restaurant.

Simon Hickman, principal inspector of historic buildings for Historic England South West, said that it is hoped to restore the turntable once the work on the pattern store is complete

– and that it could form part of a proposed demonstration line for the nearby STEAM Museum.

The Vale of Berkeley Railway had previously expressed interest in acquiring the turntable and relocating it to Sharpness, with the aim of using it to turn engines from incoming main line charters.

VoBR Trust chairman Howard Parker said that the line would still be “very keen indeed” to take on the turntable if it became available – but Mr Hickman said:

“It’s unlikely consent would be given for its relocation.

“While not in the best condition at present, it contributes significantly to the former railway works and allows understanding and appreciation of the area’s former function.

“While the turntable is obviously not in operational use any more, it could be reconnected if needed in the future, perhaps as part of the oft-mooted demonstration line for STEAM Museum.”