Welcome to our news page, here we will keep site visitors updated with new projects which are currently in the "works" subject of course to our customers permission. But first I would like to report that we have now moved to new larger premises.
We first moved to our previous address back in 1998 , when at that time we were making miniature railway signals and equipment . The works then were more than capable of dealing with all the tasks as well as the construction of rolling stock and track work up to 7 1/4" gauge. When we sold "Scaleway Signals" in 2006 to concentrate on building and restoring miniature steam locomotives, mostly in 10 1/4" gauge, we soon found we needed larger machinery and more floor space! Since then we have been looking for suitable new premises to which we could re-locate our expanding business.
The new premises at Washingpool farm are about 3 miles from our old workshop, on the edge of a village called Easter Compton. When we looked at the new workshop we could see it would need a lot of work to convert it into our "loco works". We have now spent over 6 weeks re-fitting the new workshop including the design and construction of upstairs offices. Here are some pictures to show how the transformation is progressing.
This is the entrance and drive way to the farm from the B4055, and is only 1.5 miles from Junction 17 of the M5.
The lovely rural farm scene in this quite and picturesque part of the country. Our works are located to the left of the background.
An outside view of one of our workshops, this one is just over 1000 square feet. This site is safe and secure and is monitored by a 24 hour security camera system and alarms.
Here we see the new workshop with its new floor and some of the steel work going in.
One of our first tasks after cleaning was to install a new concrete floor. We then set about installing dry lining on the walls and insulating the ceiling. Here we see some of the steel work and studded walls of the offices going up. All this fabrication work was carried out by us at our old workshops including building a walkway and staircase.
And here is the staircase installed. Built entirely from steel.
This view taken several weeks later shows some of the lathes and other machinery installed as well as the fitting of shelves, cabinets and tools.
More machines and in the background you can see the stairs and walkway in its smart grey and blue paint.
We have now completed the exterior walls of our new office. Over the next few weeks we will commence work on the interior.
Now its looking more like a locomotive works!
NEWS FOR 24th OF OCTOBER
At the end of our first week we have now acclimatized to our new working environment and have had a very productive week. Last week we had a special open day for a limited number of our customers and friends and the highlight was when our close friend and customer, Bob Symes gave a lovely speech and then officially opened our new workshop.
Here we see the great man himself, Bob Symes standing on the upstairs walkway giving his opening speech.
And here is his flock, listening with interest . We had 62 people attend the open day and from the kind emails we have received everybody said they had enjoyed themselves.
Bob Symes ,inspecting the progress on his 14XX GWR tank locomotive.
Graham Lee of Hunslet Engine company also visited and here I am discussing the progress on my Jung boiler with him, which Hunslets are repairing. Graham was very complimentary of the new facility.
Out side we set up the portable railway where we invited our guests to have a drive. James , my 7 1/4" gauge "Tinkerbell" type was in steam. Most of the drivers were in fact the ladies, and first to take the controls was Suna Page. Here we see Suna treating Bob to a train ride in the bright autumnal sun..
POLAND TRIP
Dan and I recently spent a week in Poland driving and firing steam locomotives. I have been several times before but this was Dan's first trip. We were there for one week starting on the 750mm narrow gauge at Smigel where they have a PX48 0-8-0 locomotive. This line maintains a passenger service on about 5 kilometers where it contects with the standard gauge.
Dan in the cab and me on the right, to the left is Bronik, one of the regular drivers and here was fantastic company and made us feel welcome. This locomotive was built in the 1950s and weighs around 20 tons!
This time we were fortunate enough to have the OK 22 to drive, built in the 1920s this beast is great to drive and fire.
Dan seen oiling up the OK22 motion. He really enjoyed every minute of it! We will go back in 2009!
INGFIELD LIGHT RAILWAY
This delightful 10 1/4" gauge railway is set out in the grounds of a private school, near Billingshurst, Sussex. The railway was originally built by the late Keith Stratton and his good work was continued by Lynn, his widow. Built for the benefit of the school, it has continuously operated since 1973.The custodianship of the line is now in the hands of Chris Knibbs, who also happens to be the operations manager of the Bluebell railway. The railway is run entirely by volunteers and currently only open the the public once a year, for the school fete. Several historic steam locomotives belonging to the members of the group are based at the railway, as well as some diesel traction. A web site has been recently set up and for any one wishing to view it click on the link. www.ingfieldlightrailway.co.nr
A splendid line up of scale steam locomotives, from left to right is John Terence, A 4-4-4 LNER loco of 1908, 4701 a GWR 2-8-0 and 4442 , a GNR Atlantic.
check soon for more news.