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| Didcot Railway Centre - The Early Days (Part 1) |
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Every year, our train operating staff have to attend a meeting to make sure we are all up to date with the latest rules and regulations. We realised that many of our volunteers do not know much about our early days at Didcot Railway Centre so we invited one of our long standing members to tell us a bit about the Centre in the late 1960s.
Amongst many other roles, Steve has have been responsible for the team that despatches the Great Western Echo to 3,500 members at home and abroad - he thinks that 47 years might be a record for serving in a single role!
In November 1967, we first occupied the Didcot Loco Shed with the arrival of 6106 from Taplow, followed four weeks later by 1466, 6998 and coaches 231, 3299, 1184 from Totnes.
At first we shared the depot with British Railways (Western Region), who were still using it as a stabling point for diesels, and also with the late Bill McAlpine and John Gretton, who were, at the time, the co owners of 4079 Pendennis Castle which was housed in the lifting shop and definitely off limits.
At the time members were only allowed to visit Didcot by obtaining a permit and the engines could only be steamed in the presence of a BR Inspector. The site was unfenced and the facilities were very rudimentary. The only toilets were the Gent's in the main shed (which, after refurbishment, are still used today) and what is now the Brunel Room was a makeshift mess room complete with stove. The BR hostel was still open (just) and was sometimes used for the provision of breakfasts.
In March 1968, Trojan (no 1340) arrived from Tamworth together with coach 1289 and gradually the collection began to grow. The Society's first foray away from Didcot was when engine 1466 and coach 231 ran on the Wallingford Branch in April and September 1968. By this time we had use of most of the Didcot shed and also the wartime ash shelter which kept the worst of the weather off the four and six wheeled coaches that lived there.
In the autumn, coach 9002 arrived complete with a full set of silverware, which had just been used by the Queen Mother. The kitchen was in a rather dirty state; as the coach was being taken out of service, the kitchen staff had not bothered to do much cleaning,
Visitors can still see all these engines and carriages at the Railway Centre today. We even went to the trouble of bringing 4079 Pendennis Castle back from Australia and restored (and cleaned) Special Saloon 9002...
To Be Continued...
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| About Didcot Railway Centre |
Didcot Railway Centre is home to the Great Western Society's unique collection of steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and small relics with a recreation of Brunel's broad gauge railway. We have what is believed to be the largest collection of locomotives from any one railway company, anywhere in the world.
Some may be in steam on our demonstration lines or shunting in the yard, whilst others may be on display in our original 1930s Great Western Railway Engine Shed. You will also be able to see several locomotives being restored in our modern and well equipped Locomotive Works.
We also have a welcoming refreshment room serving hot & cold drinks and snacks all day, and also lunches from Cornish Pasties, Sausage Rolls and homemade specials such as Cottage Pie, Lasagne, Curry, or Chilli Con Carne etc.
In our shop, you'll find a good range of items on sale from pocket money treats to expensive collectables. The shop has a wide range of railway books, videos, models and other souvenirs including greetings cards, badges, pens and pencils. For the enthusiast in your life, we have a selection of Great Western collectables ranging from ties and jumpers to more expensive silverware.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Centre but they should be kept on a lead.
Opening Times: We are generally open from 10.30am until 4pm on Exhibition Only Days and on Running Days in the winter, and until 5pm on Running Days in the summer.
Day Out With Thomas events open at 10:00am. On Running Days, train rides and some other activities normally start at around 11.00am.
Last admission is at 3.30pm on all days with no late entry discount.
Download our Events Timetable and then call us on 01235 817200 or email us to arrange your visit.
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