I visit the Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire, have a look at the signalling centre, a tour of the museum and a look through the fabulous engine shed. #railways #didcotrailwaycentre #steam
It's interesting that the Swindon panel is now at Didcot rather than Swindon's own Works Museum I'm glad you enjoyed your visit it's a pity though that the only entrance is though the station via a narrow flight of steps as this sadly deters disabled visitor's (btw this is not the fault of the GWS but rather Network Rail who own the Parkway station)
Hi Stephen, yes, I did not know that the Swindon Panel had been moved here prior to my visit. I did visit 'STEAM' in Swindon many years ago, but I thought that the Didcot experience was far better. Upon looking at the DRCs website, it does say to contact the DRC if you have disability or access issues. I am not sure if they have an access via a guided level crossing over the container freight lines for wheelchairs and vehicular access. That passageway that I walked through from Parkway Station was originally built for the workers at Didcot Shed, as there was no other means to get to it then either! I guess to provide lifts (like NR have been doing in places like St. Austell, Totnes, Swindon and many others) for customers to the DRC is one of cost versus number of users. It may happen in the future - here's hoping! Thanks for a great comment. I will pin it to the top. Regards, Paul.
@@westcountrywanderings Yes it does seem a pity considering the site itself is very level with good quality walkways It's for situations such as this that the heritage lottery fund came into being rather than for 'community projects' targeting only select groups of people
The charity(?) should pay you for this professional promotion for this excellent museum which has preserved so much that would normally be scrapped. Thanks!
Thank you John - that's very kind of you! I don't think that my little video would get anywhere near enough views to warrant any kind of fee. It really is a truly excellent place - and well worth the £9.50 - I felt the £1 donation was worth it, because they do such a brilliant job. Thanks so much. Take care, Paul.
Oh gosh, yes, Malcolm! So much to see there! They cover everything from uniforms, to dinner plates on the Pullman, posters, signals, signal boxes, tickets....Most impressive! Thank you, Paul
What a wonderful video, Paul. And well crafted. I haven't been to Didcot centre for ages! I must return this year especially when they have the castles! I'm really a southern railway and London underground person, but I can't fail to be impressed by the wonderful colour schemes and superb locomotives of the G W R.
Yes, it is a truly superb living museum for all things GWR, that's for sure! In terms of the green Southern Railway, I hope to visit the little museum at Okehampton Station in Devon soon. I like London Underground too - I love the LU museum at Convent Garden. My favourite station is Epping on the Central - I used to live near there - a long way from Westcountry Wanderings territory though! Thanks for watching Michael! Cheers, Paul.
Thank you Faith! Yes, glad you enjoyed it. I did enjoy my time there. Yes, the 'automated' commentary was well put together, and gave you a good insight into all the things that need to happen to get a steam loco moving. Cheers, Paul.
Hi Paul. Wow... didn't realise the size of the Didcot complex; massive. I dabble in OO Gauge model trains and pre-war GWR is my era, so I think it's time I paid it a visit. £8.50p is worth every penny when you consider what the money is going towards. My nearest heritage site is the Bluebell Line in West Sussex and they do a fine job on looking after the stations, locos and rolling stock. Long may these kind of places continue to operate as they give you the 'feel' of life on the railways in days gone by. Good camera operation and presentation Paul, so keep up the good work! Paul. 👍
Thank you Paul! Glad you enjoyed the tour. Yes, I was racking my brains to try and bring some Railway Series video content for my lovely viewers on a misty, cold and damp January day - not an easy task! However, I was most impressed with what I saw here. I have never been to the Bluebell Railway - but I have heard good things about it. Thanks so much, take care, Paul.
Wow Paul! This is a fantastic insight into all that’s at Didcot Railway Museum! Lots of fascinating stuff. I need to rewatch it some time as there was so much in it. I would have felt like I was trespassing on the tracks! Must have been a very odd feeling! I did not realise how expansive this place was! I look forward to your future videos from there!
Thank yo Louise! Glad you liked it. Yes, there really was so much to see there! I did think about having this video in two parts, but I thought that having it as one video would provide a good introduction, especially as I will be back there again soon. Yes, I had no idea just how big a place it is too! It was a weird feeling walking on the tracks - I was expecting for someone to shout out 'Oy! What are you doing!', but no one did. Loved it here! Thanks Louise, take care, Paul.
Great stuff Paul. Last time I visited was in the late 70's, I think it's time I paid another visit, a lot has changed. The mist added to the atmosphere to take a step back in time and enhance the experience I think.
Yes, I think I was lucky with that mist fog, ice and later, snow! ❄️ That was unplanned - in fact, it wasn't even forecast! I really was very impressed with what was on offer here, and the presentation and attention to detail was excellent. Thanks for watching, Cheers, Paul 🙂👍
Another excellent video Paul. I think it's time for me to make another visit to Didcot. the last time I visited the loco shed there was in the late 1950's with the Stephenson Locomotive Society. Our first port of call Southall loco shed then after Didcot it was onto Swindon works and loco shed. Even then there were rows of locos in store awaiting the cutters torch. I'm not sure if I'm right but I think a lot of them stored basically for spares to keep the other locos in working order as they had just started the construction of the diesels , which if my memory is correct was the Warship Class. They were still repairing a lot of steam at the time and there were a number recently outshopped locos in all their glory in front of 'A' Shop, something that will stay with me for ever. Unfortunately at the time I didn't own a camera and now in my late 70's my memory isn't quite as it used to be. We were hauled by a Castle Class loco from Wolverhampton and back so it would have been a Stafford Road, Wolverhampton loco. I've tried to find my 'spotters' note book but that must be in a safe place somewhere, I'm going to have a good search to refresh my memory. Take care, stay safe and look forward to your next video.
Thank you John! That's a brilliant comment - thank you so much! Lots of brilliant railway memories there. I have mentioned your comment in my latest monthly vlog, which will arrive in a couple of days. I truly hope you find your spotters notebook. Cheers, Paul.
Thank you Ron! I really can't believe that this is the first time that I have been there - only 45 minutes on the train from where I live too! I was most impressed, even on a non 'in steam', and very cold, misty day. Thank you so much, take care, Paul.
Fantastic Paul. Waited to watch with Dad and we both enjoyed it. I had only said last week I would like to film there. Maybe if you re visit in a steam day we could go together. Enjoyed the wander round with you. Shame the weather was a tad cold and foggy. Hopefully better times ahead. Top work mate. Catch you again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thank you Watto! That's a lovely comment - and glad you enjoyed watching it with your Dad too. Yes, that's sounds like a good plan for the future. Keep in touch - I will watch your Severn walk later. Take care, Paul.
You could be a professional film maker Paul! Very enjoyable and informative. Your content is so much more interesting than some of the drivel television programmes around these days! Please can you do another video here. Also would love a Tysley and Crewe railway museum video too. At the end of your videos we always do a thumbs up back to you - I bet we aren't the only ones! Best Wishes Sam and Jeremy.
Thank you so much - that's very kind of you to say so. Yes, I hope to return here when it is 'in steam'. I do hope to visit STEAM in Swindon too. Unfortunately, Crewe is well outside of my area, although I do remember touring the carriage sheds there in the early 1970s. I hope to get back to the WSR when it is up and running again soon. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care, Paul 🙂👍
Hi Paul, test comment to see if it gets deleted or not Hi Paul, Thoroughly enjoyed this one, I’m glad that they didn’t insist on clipping your ticket!! The mist seemed to add to the atmosphere; perhaps it’s easier to take photos in those conditions? Lots to see there, what stood out for me was the turntable made by Ransome Rapier who I normally associate with Steam Cranes and of course the section of vacuum pipe. If you come across the book Brunel’s Kingdom by John Christopher, it’s worth picking it up; it covers most of his works with lots of photos and drawings, one of which is this very same pipe at Didcot. Brunel was born in Portsmouth and his father who was also an engineer is famed there for building the Block Mills, one of the first ever mass production factories. The book also tells me that there is a pumphouse for this railway at Starcross, I bet you have already been there. Google maps tells me that there is a pub there called The Atmospheric Railway Inn. I remember going on a railtour from Birmingham New Street to Didcot mid 1970s pulled behind Clun Castle. I have some old photos and cine film which is now VHS, maybe I will find a way of sharing this. My memory of the trip is being perched on the window ledge in the corridor with my head out of the little window at the top oh and for some reason the hit of the day by Billy Ocean “Love really hurts without you”. Funny what you remember!! Great video, look forward to seeing you going back when there is something in steam, maybe it will be Clun Castle Good luck from Spain
Hi David! Great comment! Thank you! Yes, on a photography note, it is easier on one level to take photos/video in grey/misty conditions, because there is no flare, nor deep shadows and over bright highlights. I prefer to shoot on a grey day, than a sunny day - counterintuitively, the colours look better then too. The disadvantage? Well two really - the mist can go over the lens/lens protector, so you have to keep checking and wiping, if necessarily. Also, you have to try and keep warm! It was only 2 deg C when I was there - thankfully they had a cafe where I could warm up! That's a fab memory of your railtour - yes, hopefully Clun Castle will be there! Great advantage of Didcot is that it is only 45 minutes on the train there from where I live - is is also only 40 minutes from Paddington.
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland. One word - Fantastic! A brilliant video - worthy of documentary standard. I've never been here before. What a superb site. Your commentary was wonderful. Camera work, superb and still photographs, magnificent. Can't wait to revisit with you on a steam day. Thank you again. See you again soon and stay safe please.
Thank you Michael! Glad that you enjoyed it! It is well worth a visit and well worth the entrance fee too. Thanks for you kind words and support. Take care, Paul
That was so interesting Paul. I loved the old railway stage building for the coal and it was built about 1932. So much history. I bet you loved the voices in the engine cab. Also you chose a good day. Very few other visitors.
Thank you Cathy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂👍 Yes, it was quiet and also I felt that the misty weather added to the atmosphere in the photography too. Yes, that coal stage is amazing, isn't it? Think they give demonstration days on that too. Thanks again, take care, Paul
Hi Paul, great video. My wife and mother-in-law (now 85 and not as good on her legs as she used to be !) visited a couple of weeks ago; we had such a great time. It was very busy there but managed to get a trip on a steam locomotive. Having looked at your video I realise now that we missed a few things and so we need to go back with the knowledge of your great video. The cafe’ and gift shop were great. So much to see. We had our old Spaniel in the car and so we had limited time but great. Your informative video is so good. Kind regards Ken ( from Rutland).
Thank you so much! Yes, this was my first ever visit to Didcot RC back in January and, given the cold and the fog, you can imagine that it was quiet, which it was, but that's how I like it. I also felt that the fog added to some of the images. It is a tremendous Railway Centre and probably the finest in the world that is solely devoted to the history and collections of one railway company, the GWR. You need several hours here at least, and that's just when they aren't running trains - you need longer when they are! I did to a follow up one a couple of months later when they were running trains - you can find it in my Railway Series playlist if you wanted to watch it. I will probably return there at some point when they are running a gala. Thanks again, Take care, Paul
Very nice Paul. Watto gave a shoutout on Facebook. Glad I came over and checked out your fine channel. Subscribing to support! By coincidence I played with some trains for an upcoming video of my latest hiking adventure. Stay on the path my new friend. Monk
I last visited back in 2010 from my home in Wales, where the 1014 county was being rebuilt, this being my old depot engine, one of the many county class stationed there, can any one tell me if or how much work has been done on this engine, also it was great to see some locos I fired 7808, 6106, and two halls, I would be also grateful to any photo, or details on the rail hostel, I found nothing in the library of the town by the old cinema.
Ah, that's a very interesting comment! I have had a delve and it looks like County Class Loco No 1014 'County of Glamorgan' is a new build project here at Didcot, not a restoration of the original locomotive, which was sadly scrapped at Cashmore's Scrapyard in Newport, Wales in December 1964, 59 years ago. None of the original County Class locos survived into heritage, unfortunately. They started building the replica in 2005 - not complete yet and I can't seem to find an update on its latest progress. I will ask next time I am there. Unfortunately, I could find nothing online about the former Rail Hostel. Such a shame, because you would think that there would at least be a photo of it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting - it is greatly appreciated. Take care, Paul
Cheers! Thank you! I think it is the most complete railway museum dedicated to one railway company anywhere in the world. As you say, not as big (in terms of length of track) as some of the others, but it still has a lot of charm. Paul.
It's interesting that the Swindon panel is now at Didcot rather than Swindon's own Works Museum
I'm glad you enjoyed your visit it's a pity though that the only entrance is though the station via a narrow flight of steps as this sadly deters disabled visitor's (btw this is not the fault of the GWS but rather Network Rail who own the Parkway station)
Hi Stephen, yes, I did not know that the Swindon Panel had been moved here prior to my visit. I did visit 'STEAM' in Swindon many years ago, but I thought that the Didcot experience was far better. Upon looking at the DRCs website, it does say to contact the DRC if you have disability or access issues. I am not sure if they have an access via a guided level crossing over the container freight lines for wheelchairs and vehicular access. That passageway that I walked through from Parkway Station was originally built for the workers at Didcot Shed, as there was no other means to get to it then either! I guess to provide lifts (like NR have been doing in places like St. Austell, Totnes, Swindon and many others) for customers to the DRC is one of cost versus number of users. It may happen in the future - here's hoping! Thanks for a great comment. I will pin it to the top. Regards, Paul.
@@westcountrywanderings
Yes it does seem a pity considering the
site itself is very level with good quality walkways
It's for situations such as this that the heritage lottery fund came into being
rather than for 'community projects' targeting only select groups of people
@@stephenchappell7512 Yes, I agree!
The charity(?) should pay you for this professional promotion for this excellent museum which has preserved so much that would normally be scrapped. Thanks!
Thank you John - that's very kind of you! I don't think that my little video would get anywhere near enough views to warrant any kind of fee. It really is a truly excellent place - and well worth the £9.50 - I felt the £1 donation was worth it, because they do such a brilliant job. Thanks so much. Take care, Paul.
Very enjoyable video of a fantastic railway centre and museum. A cornucopia of railwayabelia! Thank you.
Oh gosh, yes, Malcolm! So much to see there! They cover everything from uniforms, to dinner plates on the Pullman, posters, signals, signal boxes, tickets....Most impressive! Thank you, Paul
Great stuff and admirable work for the time of year! Thanks again
Thank you Geoffrey! Glad you enjoyed it! Take care, Paul.
What a wonderful video, Paul. And well crafted. I haven't been to Didcot centre for ages! I must return this year especially when they have the castles! I'm really a southern railway and London underground person, but I can't fail to be impressed by the wonderful colour schemes and superb locomotives of the G W R.
Yes, it is a truly superb living museum for all things GWR, that's for sure! In terms of the green Southern Railway, I hope to visit the little museum at Okehampton Station in Devon soon. I like London Underground too - I love the LU museum at Convent Garden. My favourite station is Epping on the Central - I used to live near there - a long way from Westcountry Wanderings territory though! Thanks for watching Michael! Cheers, Paul.
Fantastic video, there is so much of interest at Didcot. Thanks for taking us onto the footplate.
Thank you Faith! Yes, glad you enjoyed it. I did enjoy my time there. Yes, the 'automated' commentary was well put together, and gave you a good insight into all the things that need to happen to get a steam loco moving. Cheers, Paul.
Hi Paul.
Wow... didn't realise the size of the Didcot complex; massive. I dabble in OO Gauge model trains and pre-war GWR is my era, so I think it's time I paid it a visit. £8.50p is worth every penny when you consider what the money is going towards. My nearest heritage site is the Bluebell Line in West Sussex and they do a fine job on looking after the stations, locos and rolling stock. Long may these kind of places continue to operate as they give you the 'feel' of life on the railways in days gone by.
Good camera operation and presentation Paul, so keep up the good work!
Paul. 👍
Thank you Paul! Glad you enjoyed the tour. Yes, I was racking my brains to try and bring some Railway Series video content for my lovely viewers on a misty, cold and damp January day - not an easy task! However, I was most impressed with what I saw here. I have never been to the Bluebell Railway - but I have heard good things about it. Thanks so much, take care, Paul.
Wow Paul! This is a fantastic insight into all that’s at Didcot Railway Museum! Lots of fascinating stuff. I need to rewatch it some time as there was so much in it. I would have felt like I was trespassing on the tracks! Must have been a very odd feeling! I did not realise how expansive this place was! I look forward to your future videos from there!
Thank yo Louise! Glad you liked it. Yes, there really was so much to see there! I did think about having this video in two parts, but I thought that having it as one video would provide a good introduction, especially as I will be back there again soon. Yes, I had no idea just how big a place it is too! It was a weird feeling walking on the tracks - I was expecting for someone to shout out 'Oy! What are you doing!', but no one did. Loved it here! Thanks Louise, take care, Paul.
Great stuff Paul. Last time I visited was in the late 70's, I think it's time I paid another visit, a lot has changed. The mist added to the atmosphere to take a step back in time and enhance the experience I think.
Yes, I think I was lucky with that mist fog, ice and later, snow! ❄️ That was unplanned - in fact, it wasn't even forecast! I really was very impressed with what was on offer here, and the presentation and attention to detail was excellent. Thanks for watching, Cheers, Paul 🙂👍
Another excellent video Paul. I think it's time for me to make another visit to Didcot. the last time I visited the loco shed there was in the late 1950's with the Stephenson Locomotive Society. Our first port of call Southall loco shed then after Didcot it was onto Swindon works and loco shed.
Even then there were rows of locos in store awaiting the cutters torch. I'm not sure if I'm right but I think a lot of them stored basically for spares to keep the other locos in working order as they had just started the construction of the diesels , which if my memory is correct was the Warship Class.
They were still repairing a lot of steam at the time and there were a number recently outshopped locos in all their glory in front of 'A' Shop, something that will stay with me for ever. Unfortunately at the time I didn't own a camera and now in my late 70's my memory isn't quite as it used to be.
We were hauled by a Castle Class loco from Wolverhampton and back so it would have been a Stafford Road, Wolverhampton loco. I've tried to find my 'spotters' note book but that must be in a safe place somewhere, I'm going to have a good search to refresh my memory.
Take care, stay safe and look forward to your next video.
Thank you John! That's a brilliant comment - thank you so much! Lots of brilliant railway memories there. I have mentioned your comment in my latest monthly vlog, which will arrive in a couple of days. I truly hope you find your spotters notebook. Cheers, Paul.
Been to Didcot several times and it’s a top class Railway attraction. Thanks for sharing, Paul, I shall be heading back there sometime this year🙂👍
Thank you Ron! I really can't believe that this is the first time that I have been there - only 45 minutes on the train from where I live too! I was most impressed, even on a non 'in steam', and very cold, misty day. Thank you so much, take care, Paul.
Fantastic Paul. Waited to watch with Dad and we both enjoyed it. I had only said last week I would like to film there. Maybe if you re visit in a steam day we could go together. Enjoyed the wander round with you. Shame the weather was a tad cold and foggy. Hopefully better times ahead.
Top work mate. Catch you again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thank you Watto! That's a lovely comment - and glad you enjoyed watching it with your Dad too. Yes, that's sounds like a good plan for the future. Keep in touch - I will watch your Severn walk later. Take care, Paul.
You could be a professional film maker Paul! Very enjoyable and informative. Your content is so much more interesting than some of the drivel television programmes around these days! Please can you do another video here. Also would love a Tysley and Crewe railway museum video too. At the end of your videos we always do a thumbs up back to you - I bet we aren't the only ones! Best Wishes Sam and Jeremy.
Thank you so much - that's very kind of you to say so. Yes, I hope to return here when it is 'in steam'. I do hope to visit STEAM in Swindon too. Unfortunately, Crewe is well outside of my area, although I do remember touring the carriage sheds there in the early 1970s. I hope to get back to the WSR when it is up and running again soon. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care, Paul 🙂👍
Hi Paul, test comment to see if it gets deleted or not
Hi Paul, Thoroughly enjoyed this one, I’m glad that they didn’t insist on clipping your ticket!!
The mist seemed to add to the atmosphere; perhaps it’s easier to take photos in those conditions?
Lots to see there, what stood out for me was the turntable made by Ransome Rapier who I normally associate with Steam Cranes and of course the section of vacuum pipe.
If you come across the book Brunel’s Kingdom by John Christopher, it’s worth picking it up; it covers most of his works with lots of photos and drawings, one of which is this very same pipe at Didcot. Brunel was born in Portsmouth and his father who was also an engineer is famed there for building the Block Mills, one of the first ever mass production factories. The book also tells me that there is a pumphouse for this railway at Starcross, I bet you have already been there. Google maps tells me that there is a pub there called The Atmospheric Railway Inn.
I remember going on a railtour from Birmingham New Street to Didcot mid 1970s pulled behind Clun Castle. I have some old photos and cine film which is now VHS, maybe I will find a way of sharing this. My memory of the trip is being perched on the window ledge in the corridor with my head out of the little window at the top oh and for some reason the hit of the day by Billy Ocean “Love really hurts without you”. Funny what you remember!!
Great video, look forward to seeing you going back when there is something in steam, maybe it will be Clun Castle
Good luck from Spain
Hi David! Great comment! Thank you! Yes, on a photography note, it is easier on one level to take photos/video in grey/misty conditions, because there is no flare, nor deep shadows and over bright highlights. I prefer to shoot on a grey day, than a sunny day - counterintuitively, the colours look better then too. The disadvantage? Well two really - the mist can go over the lens/lens protector, so you have to keep checking and wiping, if necessarily. Also, you have to try and keep warm! It was only 2 deg C when I was there - thankfully they had a cafe where I could warm up! That's a fab memory of your railtour - yes, hopefully Clun Castle will be there! Great advantage of Didcot is that it is only 45 minutes on the train there from where I live - is is also only 40 minutes from Paddington.
Hello Paul - greetings from Poland.
One word - Fantastic! A brilliant video - worthy of documentary standard. I've never been here before. What a superb site.
Your commentary was wonderful. Camera work, superb and still photographs, magnificent. Can't wait to revisit with you on a steam day. Thank you again. See you again soon and stay safe please.
Thank you Michael! Glad that you enjoyed it! It is well worth a visit and well worth the entrance fee too. Thanks for you kind words and support. Take care, Paul
That was so interesting Paul. I loved the old railway stage building for the coal and it was built about 1932. So much history. I bet you loved the voices in the engine cab. Also you chose a good day. Very few other visitors.
Thank you Cathy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂👍 Yes, it was quiet and also I felt that the misty weather added to the atmosphere in the photography too. Yes, that coal stage is amazing, isn't it? Think they give demonstration days on that too. Thanks again, take care, Paul
@@westcountrywanderings very atmospheric
Hi Paul great video and so much to see 👌👌
Thank you Roy! Hope you are still enjoying your Spanish holiday. Yes, really is so much here. Cheers, Paul.
Hi Paul, great video. My wife and mother-in-law (now 85 and not as good on her legs as she used to be !) visited a couple of weeks ago; we had such a great time. It was very busy there but managed to get a trip on a steam locomotive. Having looked at your video I realise now that we missed a few things and so we need to go back with the knowledge of your great video. The cafe’ and gift shop were great. So much to see. We had our old Spaniel in the car and so we had limited time but great. Your informative video is so good. Kind regards Ken ( from Rutland).
Thank you so much!
Yes, this was my first ever visit to Didcot RC back in January and, given the cold and the fog, you can imagine that it was quiet, which it was, but that's how I like it.
I also felt that the fog added to some of the images.
It is a tremendous Railway Centre and probably the finest in the world that is solely devoted to the history and collections of one railway company, the GWR.
You need several hours here at least, and that's just when they aren't running trains - you need longer when they are!
I did to a follow up one a couple of months later when they were running trains - you can find it in my Railway Series playlist if you wanted to watch it.
I will probably return there at some point when they are running a gala.
Thanks again,
Take care,
Paul
THANK YOU PAUL. REGARDS R.
Thank you Richard! Thanks for watching and commenting. Kind Regards, Paul.
Very nice Paul. Watto gave a shoutout on Facebook. Glad I came over and checked out your fine channel. Subscribing to support! By coincidence I played with some trains for an upcoming video of my latest hiking adventure. Stay on the path my new friend. Monk
Thank you Monk! Yes, that was most kind of Watto. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it! Take care, Paul.
I last visited back in 2010 from my home in Wales, where the 1014 county was being rebuilt, this being my old depot engine, one of the many county class stationed there, can any one tell me if or how much work has been done on this engine, also it was great to see some locos I fired 7808, 6106, and two halls, I would be also grateful to any photo, or details on the rail hostel, I found nothing in the library of the town by the old cinema.
Ah, that's a very interesting comment!
I have had a delve and it looks like County Class Loco No 1014 'County of Glamorgan' is a new build project here at Didcot, not a restoration of the original locomotive, which was sadly scrapped at Cashmore's Scrapyard in Newport, Wales in December 1964, 59 years ago. None of the original County Class locos survived into heritage, unfortunately.
They started building the replica in 2005 - not complete yet and I can't seem to find an update on its latest progress. I will ask next time I am there.
Unfortunately, I could find nothing online about the former Rail Hostel. Such a shame, because you would think that there would at least be a photo of it.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting - it is greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Paul
awesome
Thank you!
A great little railway, not as impressive as the others, but impressive, nonetheless.
Cheers!
Thank you!
I think it is the most complete railway museum dedicated to one railway company anywhere in the world.
As you say, not as big (in terms of length of track) as some of the others, but it still has a lot of charm.
Paul.