Bridgnorth shed roof works and crane appeal is ‘home and dry’
THE Severn Valley Railways Charitable Trust’s £475,000 appeal to replace the shed roof at Bridgnorth is now ‘Home and Dry’ and all works – including the electrical installation and travelling crane – can go ahead as planned.
After delays caused by Covid-19, the appeal was launched in April 2021, initially by mail to the SVR supporter base including members, donors and shareholders. More than 3000 people donated and the full amount was raised in less than a year.
Funding was split into three phases: first, the roof and wall cladding, electrical installation and construction of the crane foundations – £385,000; second, the infilling of shed road two and moving larger items out of the shed – £25,000; and third, steel work for the crane and the crane itself – £65,000.
The travelling crane was the final part of the jigsaw (as highlighted in issue 288) and when installed will make life easier by reducing the time taken moving heavy parts around the shed, eliminating the use of a forklift truck. Work will be quicker and safer, and bring the locomotive works up to a high standard.
Four contractors will undertake the works. Walsh Construction Ltd will be the principal contractor responsible for civil engineering work and crane bases, and have overall responsibility for managing health and safety. Ascon Industrial Roofing Ltd will undertake the removal and fitting of the new roof and wall cladding, Telford Electrical Services will handle the electrical installation, and A G Cranes Ltd will supply and install of the gantry and travelling crane.
In charge
The project will be managed under the expert supervision of volunteer Antony Bartlam, a Bridgnorth-based professional structural engineer and project manager. He will be supported by infrastructure volunteer Nick Yarwood, experienced in project programming, who will draw up the contracts. Nick was instrumental to the success of the Falling Sands Viaduct restoration.
Ben Wright, a qualified architect, will be involved, as will senior team leaders including shed-master Martin White, infrastructure manager Chris Bond and health and safety manager Richard Morris.
Volunteers are pivotal to the project, with more than £40,000 worth of time in terms of wages equivalent, in addition to donations. The biggest financial challenge is the continual escalation of material costs.
Now the real work begins to clear the shed of everything – locomotives included – in preparation for construction to work to start in May.
It is estimated that the project will take about four months to complete and is designed to fit in between the SVR’s two major steam galas, the April 21-24 spring event and the autumn one on September 15-18.
SVR Charitable Trust executive director Shelagh Paterson said: “Thanks to all the donors who, in spite of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, rallied around to help raise funds for the Home and Dry appeal. The locomotive works are vital to the running of the SVR, helping create memorable experiences for so many people. We’re looking forward to seeing the transformation.”
Raising the Roof, a feature on the works project, appeared in issue 287.
Martin White said: “This project is going to make a huge difference to the volunteers and paid staff who work hard to keep the locomotive fleet operational. Volunteers are already clearing the way and carrying out small-scale construction activities that need to be completed before the main contract work begins.”
Bright future
Dave Fulcher-Insull, 4930 Project team leader, said: “Overhauls will become more difficult with ageing locos in the future and this will enable frames to be set up easier, as will the lifting of smokeboxes, tanks, chimneys, smoke deflectors, radials and ponies.
“The pressure is on because of the deadline for No.4930 Hagley Hall being so close to the roofing project start date. It will be worth it in the end when we don’t have to go to such lengths to move things about in the works. Previously, moving components about has taken a huge amount of time and effort to get some small jobs done – it will now hopefully be pain-free.”
Running maintenance team leader Will Marsh said: “Maintaining a fleet of eight to 10 steam locomotives which are each clocking up 70009000 miles a year will be significantly easier, faster, and, most importantly, safer with an overhead crane installed. A good example is when coupling rods are removed and have to be precariously moved around on trollies to where any work is to take place, such as over and onto the hydraulic press for removing bushes.
“The re-cladded shed will also make the world of difference towards making our department a pleasant working environment. It is a common sight to see both paid and volunteer members of staff working under umbrellas to stay dry inside the shed.”