Severn Valley Railway launches new appeal to get ‘Home & Dry’
THE Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has launched a £425,000 Home & Dry appeal to combat rapidly deteriorating conditions at Bridgnorth locomotive works.
Funds raised will ensure that essential restoration and maintenance work on locomotives continue in a safe, dry and efficient environment for decades to come.
Current conditions for more than 100 volunteers and paid staff who work at the site have been described as ‘difficult' and ‘challenging'.
The main issues are the extremely bad condition of the building's roof, poor lighting levels and the lack of a fit-for-purpose method of carrying out the many heavy lifting tasks required.
Damage
Volunteer Peter Munger said: “The roof is literally full of holes and gaps, and when it rains we get pools of water on the floor and also on anything inside the building.
“Things are getting damaged all the time, such as the cylinder blocks for our flagship GWR 4-6-0 No. 4930 Hagley Hall. These were spoiled by dripping water, along with some of the newly-painted components. It meant a lot of extra work.”
The badly-aged roof and outdated lighting systems mean that staff often struggle.
Fitter machinist Max Green said: “In some places the natural light is nonexistent, and I've often had to resort to using the torch on my phone to see what I'm doing.”
Heavy lifting operations are needed constantly, but staff must either borrow or hire expensive equipment, such as cranes, and they waste time in shunting rolling stock around to enable the lifts to take place.
SVR's head of engineering, Martin White, said: “I've got staff dodging puddles and drips, as well as rolling stock and machinery suffering water damage.
“The lighting is completely inadequate, and we're wasting time and money by not having a permanent heavy lifting capability on site.
“Various piecemeal improvements have been made over the years but these are now life-expired.
“Bridgnorth loco works needs help now to secure the SVR's ability to look after steam locomotives in the years to come.”
Transformation
Shelagh Paterson, the trust's director of development, said the money raised through the Home & Dry appeal will transform the works.
“It will fund a new roof with insulated panels, at least 15% of which will be translucent to maximise daylight,” she explained. “People, rolling stock and machinery will be properly sheltered and protected. New, energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed, saving costs, and providing well-illuminated conditions.
“And very importantly, the appeal will fund an overhead travelling crane for the works, so engineers can move heavy items safely, efficiently and quickly.”
Donors of £75 or more will receive a signed limited edition print depicting Bridgnorth locomotive works by resident artist Alan Reade. Donations of £1000 or more will be acknowledged on a permanent scroll of honour within the building.
➜ To support the appeal, visit www. svrtrust.org.uk