Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre

Christmas with Postman Pat » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

2010-12-15T12:56:00.000+01:00

Christmas with Postman Pat » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre
18th December 2010
Enjoy festive mince pies and sherry with Postman Pat on the Christmas Postal Train.
More details on the link...

50 Years of the Class 37s » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

2010-11-04T09:28:00.000+01:00

50 Years of the Class 37s » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

50 Years of the Class 37s

27th November 2010 - 28th November 2010

With support from DRS Rail Services we are holding a 50 Years of the Class 37s...

Royal Mail Truck Show and Postman Pat » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

2010-09-01T23:15:00.000+02:00

Royal Mail Truck Show and Postman Pat » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre
11th September 2010 - 12th September 2010 - see link for more details

Rail Ale Festival Weekend » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

2010-08-15T13:14:00.000+02:00

Rail Ale Festival Weekend » Special Events » The Crewe Heritage Centre

LNWR Stores at Stockport

2010-02-12T23:41:00.002+01:00

It's hard to live in Crewe as someone passionately absorbed in the Historic Environment and not develop an interest for Railway Heritage - especially the great London and North Western Railway Company. It was that company which saw the greatest establishment of the town of Crewe.

I've passed this towering building next to the train line many times over the years and wanted to stop to photo it. A fortuitous opportunity combined with perfect light was afforded me, and this is one of the shots I got of the building, with Christ Church Stockport's spire to the left.

It's now still being used for a storage space by one of the burgeoning storage industry's members.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Auction of Railwayana - 20th March 2010

2010-02-08T13:18:00.000+01:00

Who's Who - Changes

2009-12-12T10:33:00.001+01:00

The committee of Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre changed substantially at a meeting on 27th September 2009, and is now made up of these officers:

Chairman - R M Kenny
Vice Chairman - D Lever
Secretary - R Fenner
Treasurer - A Kettle
PR Officer - G Lewis
Membership Secretary - E Brockley
Newsletter Editor - I Haselgrove
Committee - P Robinson, S Haynes, J Silmon

These, and other members help out in a variety of up front and behind the scenes as and when time permits.

Keep watching for situations vacant; the Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre is growing and there are plans to do much more.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Heritage Centre Paranormal Vigils

2009-09-16T09:58:00.001+02:00

On Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st and Saturday 7th November 2008 there will be paranormal vigils at Crewe Heritage Centre.

Other vigils, company parties, team building exercises on other dates are welcome by arrangement. Minumum number of 6 required.

Price is £30 per head. Places are strictly limited, advance booking and payment essential. No one will be admitted on the nights without prior booking and payment. Full details will be sent either by e-mail or by post upon booking.

Those coming along are invited to use their brains as well as their senses to evaluate what is perceived as paranornmal phenomena. Three vigils in 2008 had successful corroboration of phenomena - however unlike on TV, paranormal activity is NOT guaranteed - but a chance to be there just incase, is.

To book, send an e-mail to ghost@crewetours.com or phone 07952 984 229.

Responsible minors are admitted under the condition that guardians are fully in control and take responsibility for those in their care.

No refreshments are provided - please bring your own flasks, food, and warm clothing. Feel free to bring your own equipment (cameras, torches etc) - no responsibility is taken for their safety or functionality.

No admittance to anyone under the influence of alcohol or substances. Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or acting in any way detrimental to health and safety, or detracting from others’ enjoyment of the evening will leave the premises.

The event runs from 10pm to 3am. Secure parking will be available within the premises. If you need to leave the premises before the event concludes, please arrange to do so within one the of the breaks.

There will be no provision of Ouija Boards during the vigils.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

New Crewe Heritage Centre Website

2009-09-04T15:40:00.002+02:00

If you have not yet seen, there is a new Crewe Heritage Centre website - see here for a much more up to date and user friendly official site.

Updates should resume to the Friends of website later in September 2009.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Heritage Centre Volunteers - Commended "Team of the Year" 2008

2008-12-10T11:18:00.003+01:00

Crewe Heritage Centre volunteers - nominated Team of the Year 2008.

At the Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills Crewe Heritage Centre was up against 18 other nominations in this category, mainly from the Hospitality and Catering industries.

Though not winning outright, the Team still came out "Commended" as Crewe Heritage Centre's renaissance gathers further momentum due to the efforts of the volunteers.

2009 is set to be another very positive year for Crewe Heritage Centre.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Team of The Year - Crewe Heritage Centre Volunteers Nominated for Tourism Award

2008-11-19T09:00:00.004+01:00

The team of volunteers at The Crewe Heritage Centre have been nominated for Team of the Year at Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills 2008.

The achievements of the completely voluntary team under the guidance of new management as of early 2007 are noteworthy and commendable.

With limited funding and staff, the team have halted and turned around a prolonged period of decline at Crewe Heritage Centre. They are implementing new vision and enthusiasm to celebrate, inform and educate visitors of the world changing history which Crewe has made to the transport world and more.

The Centre's fortunes and outlook have turned around; instead of steady attrition, there is growth and pro-active work to better present the site in terms of gardens, painting, and displays.

The perception of The Crewe Heritage Centre has changed too. Once described as "an understated disappointment" or "Crewe's scrapyard", the centre is now tidy and in improving appearance.

It has formed and is nurturing a new reptutation as an engaging historical attraction not only on railways, but bus rallies and all things Historic Crewe.

The Centre now has displays concerning such variety as Crewe Alexandra Football Club, Bentley Motors, Crewe at War, the social history of the town, and general Railwayana, as well as of course specific Crewe Works and station history. Space is being prepared for further displays and improving the centre for the future.

Without the voluntary team the management would not have the staff available to implement the new vision, or have people to help share and shape vision for the great celebration of Crewe's Heritage - which is what the Centre should be.

The team recognise the economic and cultural benefits which an engaging attraction brings and the quality of life it can add to those who visit.

Not only is it contributing towards its own future as a tourist attraction, it is contributing towards the image of Crewe and benefitting the wider visitor economy of South Cheshire.

It can be said of any town or area that without its history, heritage and culture, there is nothing to see. Crewe, once seen in the Victorian period as a model town, has for too long been a town only to drive through, or change trains at the station.

A nomination brings more publicity in itself, but a win for the team would give wide recognition to their hard work and freely given time thus far, and promote the centre, the town and the area more positively with rewards all round. A win for the team would be a win for Crewe.

Crewe Heritage Centre's team is being represented by the manager, Mike Lenz, at the Awards Ceremony on November 20th.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Heritage Centre Paranormal Vigil - Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T20:01:00.004+01:00

A sell out charity night for Crewe Heritage Centre saw an evening of excitement and suggestively scarey activity in the name of seeing if there was paranormal activity - real or perceived - at different locations in the centre.

One thing I am keen to stress on paranormal vigils is there is no guarantee of paranomal activity. Most encounters deemed as paranormal happen when folk aren't looking for it. However, vigils take in places, times and stories which often suggest odd encounters - so it is not suprising if some odd things are experienced.

Investigating Crewe Heritage Centre for paranormal activity has been almost like "If a tree falls in a forest and there's no one there to hear it, does it still make a sound?". To paraphrase it, "If some really odd things happen which may or may not be explainable, and there's no one there to experience it, is there still paranormal activity going on?".

Well, it seems the answer to this question in this instance is "yes". If not, certainly the human mind and suggestion are clearly at work. With little previous history of known strange activity at Crewe Heritage Centre, these have been explorations to discover unknown unknowns at what was once part of one of the world's most noted railway works.

Specific locations are not given espcially where reliant upon human perception so as not to bias future vigils.

Following a tour for familiarisation and safety, we got down down to business by half ten.

Even during the practical site tour one phenomenon previously recorded was encountered by all four people entering that specific area. Others encountered the same experience later in the night with efforts taken not to transmit knowledge of some peoples' perceptions in the intervening period.

In the Exhibition Hall where earlier in the year my EMF reader had done solitary blips which couldn't be accounted for, there were similar anomalous readings as I addressed the group in the old council seats from 1905, later removed from the Municipal Buildings.

In one location not observed earlier in the year, with curtains drawn for half an hour, it really did *appear* like there was a figure moving in the corridor leading to the room. It was after this one large contingent left! One chap had his head in his hands and exclaimed "I'm so scared! I can't believe I'm doing this!". A 'sensitive' in the group felt there was a named person present (only first) with an approximate height given.

Taking into account movement of trains either side, there were times when one room appeared to darken significantly to all without apparent cause.

Not far away from there four folk suddenly and independently felt dizzy and overcome. One had to leave the room. Another had an impression of a person consistent with what has been experienced there before during normal daytime hours.

Our last session was illustrative of the mind's powers to give a convincing scarey experience when there's something quite explainable going on. We became aware of what sounded like a loud aggressive whisper of "Get out! Get out!". Cue lots of goosebumps... in the best tradition of horror films, some brave souls investigated in the direction of the sounds... and lived to tell the tale. I'm not placing the finding here so if future groups hear it, I can see if they work out the source.

So, it does indeed seem there is a core of strange experience - explainable or otherwise - going on at Crewe Heritage Centre which can make for an engaging overnight vigil. Keep watching for details of future vigils... or if you would like to enquire concerning a special booking, do get in touch to discuss arrangements.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Festival of Transport at Crewe Heritage Centre

2008-10-19T20:33:00.003+02:00

A superb day at The Crewe Heritage Centre today; these images, and others not included in the slideshow will be used as static images on this website in the weeks ahead. All images taken by TP.

Thanks to all involved, organising, staffing and running.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Festival of Transport

2008-10-15T10:25:00.003+02:00

Crewe Heritage Centre is hosting a Festival of Transport from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, including the APT, Diesel Locomotives, Steam Trains, Classic Buses, Ferraris, Bentleys, Minis, Military Vehicles, Steam Rollers and more. Refreshments and stalls - plus the existing exhibits of the Exhibition Hall, restored Travelling Post Office, North Signal Box and more.

This is in aid of the "Changing Places" fundraising effort which will provide a specialist toilet facility for people with special needs and disabilities at Christ Church; as part of bringing a community focus back to Crewe's historic mother railway church, social services will be using the church hall on weekdays, bringing with it improvements to the facilities of the hall.

The cost of a family ticket is £5, adults £2.50 and children just £1. Please contact Nicky Gallimore via email here or call 01270-661812 after 5pm for more details...

Thanks to Crewe Blog for many of the details.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September 2008 - Miniature Railway Gala

2008-09-26T13:28:00.000+02:00

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

In the press again...

2008-09-26T13:27:00.002+02:00

Crewe Chronicle news coverage this week...

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

LNWR 2-2-2 3020 'Cornwall'

2008-09-22T23:18:00.007+02:00

"Cornwall is a preserved steam locomotive that was built at Crewe in 1847 and extensively rebuilt in 1858. She was designed by Francis Trevithick son of Richard."

Believed to be currently in Shildon, County Durham.

Gratefully reproduced with permission - picture copyright Larry Shone aka Stumm47 from the Deviant Art website.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Slideshow...

2008-09-22T21:37:00.002+02:00

One friend of Crewe Heritage Centre has compiled this slideshow put on to YouTube, which features 6201 '"Princess Elizabeth", Virgin 57's running Pendolino drags, and wrexham and Shropshire with EWS livery 67's' - all set to Billy Idol's 'White Wedding'. Thanks and credit to DJ.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

A Good APT Website

2008-09-09T11:32:00.003+02:00

Devotees of the APT - the Advanced Passenger Train - will be very interested in seeing this website on the project, with links, details of publications and dedicated interest groups.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Remembering...The Great Gathering

2008-09-08T23:49:00.006+02:00

With the continuing dimunition of Crewe's railway works, could something like this ever happen here again? If the station move went ahead, dare Crewe hope for a bigger, better space in which to share its world changing history in the current historic station? Would it be a dream or a nightmare? Whatever, Crewe Heritage Centre will continue to improve, educate, inform and do its best as Crewe's Museum, and perhaps we can hope for major events like this to return here one day.

This poster was found ready cut to be used as note-paper...

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

New Trustees of Crewe Heritage Centre

2008-09-08T22:27:00.004+02:00

Crewe Chronicle, 3rd September 2008 - with a welcome to the centre's new Trustees.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2008

2008-09-08T10:10:00.001+02:00

This coming weekend is a Signalling Weekend, with a National Model Railroad Association Day on the 13th.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Works Cab returns to Crewe

2008-08-27T09:05:00.008+02:00

Crewe Heritage Centre had an interesting delivery from Carnforth on Monday:

The 'Works Cabs' or 'Crewe Cabs', were two, four wheeled boiler trolleys, which were fitted with a canopy, partial sides and closed ends. One of them, usually hauled by 0-4-0 Saddle Tank ran every working day to a timetable between the Old Works (Heritage Centre) and the West End of the Steelworks. It could be used by any workman or foreman who had business along the route, and to carry items required at other locations, and would also be used to transport the wages around the works on payday. This particular cab was used in the works until about 1975, probably just for pay.

The second Cab was used by managers and visitors, it only ran on instruction and was used between Crewe Station and the General Offices and any part of the works as required.

Both Cabs, were refurbished and upholstered including having glass doors fitted for use during the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1913.

This surviving cab will remain at Crewe Heritage Centre, and once restored, will continue to reside at the Centre.

Picture credit: SC; information credit GH citing Brian Reed's "Crewe Locomotive Works and its Men".

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Triple Anniversary Weekend and Reunion

2008-08-15T00:01:00.001+02:00

Triple anniversary weekend:

60 years since British Rail formed
40 years since End of Steam
20 years since return of Steam to Crewe

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

150 Years of Crewe - Shrewsbury Line

2008-08-12T14:40:00.006+02:00

It's 160 years anniversary of Shrewsbury Station and 150 years anniversary of the Crewe to Shrewsbury line this year; a fortuitous train cancellation gave an hour on Shrewsbury station, where a temporary exhibition was found, celebrating these anniversaries in the tunnels beneath the station. Courtesy of S h rewsbury Railway Heritage Trust who were happy for me to take photos of the displays. Clicking the images will enlarge them.

Of particular relevance for Crewe were displays relating to the Shrewsbury Rail Disaster of 15th October 1907, which killed eighteen people - two from Crewe: Frederick Owen Fletcher, a fireman, and Samuel Martin, a driver. The train was formed at Crewe, and consisted of fifteen vehicles - eight of which were LNWR, including a Travelling Post Office (TPO). It derailed on a steep curve approaching Shrewsbury Station travelling at 60 mph instead of 10mph.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Old Tickets to Crewe

2008-08-12T14:31:00.005+02:00

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August 2008

2008-08-12T00:01:00.001+02:00

Signalling Weekend
National Model Railroad Association Day 17th

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

A piece of Crewe in Wales

2008-08-07T10:34:00.006+02:00

A small testimony to the huge numbers of people, materials and products which went out around the country and world from Crewe Works, shaping the railway world in a very literal manner is this little signal box.

It is probably contemporary with station improvements at Llandrindod Wells around 1876, and is an early London and North Western Railway Company example of the flat gabled type - made in Crewe Works.

The box was moved from the level crossing further north, to its current site and officially opened again in 1990.

The Signal Box Museum is open mainly at weekends between May and September inclusive, and staffed by volunteers. Contact Builth Wells tourist information for specific times to see this bit of Crewe in the historic Welsh Spa town.

Llandrindod is served by The Heart of Wales Line between Shrewsbury (Amwythig) and Swansea (Abertawe). The town stages an excellent Victorian Festival in late August each year.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Sunday 3rd August 2008

2008-07-30T00:01:00.004+02:00

Classic Bus Running Day

Today’s Bus Running Day was a great success, with buses taking visitors to Stapely, Bridgemere, Weston and Sandbach throughout the day. A small band of vintage and classic bus enthusiasts led by Keith Wood, assisted by Heritage Centre volunteers made sure that this was an event worth repeating.

Info and picture credit SC.

News cutting Crewe Guardian 31/07/08

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 2008

2008-07-21T00:01:00.003+02:00

Crewe Heritage Centre 21st Anniversary Weekend

All the usual attractions plus some locomotives on site courtesy DRS, also vintage road vehicles, Class 03 cab rides, Class 87 and Class 47 cab visits, and refreshments.

Cutting from Crewe Guardian 24/07/08.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Modernisation... North Box

2008-07-20T21:17:00.003+02:00

In this shot, the top of the North Box (which forms part of the Crewe Heritage Centre) can be seen with ballast which seems almost as white as snow immediately following the remodelling... The Crewe Arms and Station are further south. Taken from "All Change at Crewe" published in 1985 to tell the ongoing story of further changes at the the historic rail junction of Crewe.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Exeter West Box - Publications

2008-07-20T21:03:00.007+02:00

There are a couple publications concerning the Exeter West Box now at Crewe; the short visitors' guide was produced by the dedicated Exeter West Group in 1993.

A more extensive work by the Group and Adrian Vaughan was published in 1984 before the box was removed to Crewe. The front cover shows 4-6-0 No. 6848 Toddington Grange passing the box on 19th July 1958, working the 4.15pm Paignton - Paddington.

The rear cover shot (below) gives a good idea of the box's original setting west of Exeter St David's, with the line to Exeter central curving back to the upper left of the shot. The train is W R Cross - Country DMU entering St David's from the west on 2nd July 1963.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Modernisation...

2008-07-20T20:50:00.006+02:00

Do you remember this logo? Crewe Modernisation - renewing of the track and signals in 1984 and 1985 was meant to prepare the station for its role in the 21st Century. Now we're here, it seems the whole station needs revising to be able to serve all the requirements of its life today. One wonders where the debate over whether or not to move the station will lead.

The press has mentioned the existing station, or some of it being given over to a heritage centre... would that work? Would it be a good idea? At first glance it seems it; but if we ever receive a clear decision, all the implications will need careful considerations. Wouldn't it be great to bring the history of railways home to Crewe and end up with a world class railway and industrial heritage attraction? What do you think?

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Class 87 Locomotive

2008-07-17T10:49:00.006+02:00

This locomotive was kindly donated to us by Porterbrook Leasing Company, who leased all the rolling stock and locomotives to the train operating company "Virgin trains", prior to their Pendolino services being introduced.

The class 87 electric locomotive has an output power of 5000 hp. It operates by collecting the current from the overhead catenary supplied at 25000 volts; unfortunately we are not able to have this luxury at the Centre. However all the circuits and equipment which are operated from the onboard battery supply are operational.

The air braking system is also operational when air is fed in the locomotive’s main air reservoir from an external supply. The locomotive is currently undergoing internal and external restoration work, further updates will be added as progress continues.

Many thanks to GL for the write up and picture.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Crewe Station A Cabin

2008-07-17T00:01:00.001+02:00

Moved to the Heritage Centre in 1987, this box was taken out of service in 1985. Image credit SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 12th July 2008

2008-07-07T10:17:00.000+02:00

National Model Railroad Association Day

Brake Van, Bentley, and APT

2008-07-06T23:30:00.003+02:00

A weekend of bursts of sunshine and vicious showers which kept the visitors in the exhibition hall, where they could see the new display on car production in Crewe erected by Bentley.

On Saturday a brake van (needing minimal restoration) arrived by road from Daventry. This will eventually be used to give on site rides.

Meanwhile work is being concentrated on the APT with several volunteers now working on the body work, roof, flooring and electrics.

Volunteers are needed for general site duties such as stewarding and manning the shop – call in and see us if you can help to do your bit for Crewe’s heritage.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008

2008-06-15T22:50:00.003+02:00

Royal Mail Weekend coming up, including:

RESTORED VINTAGE TRAVELLING POST OFFICE COACH
FULL SIZE ROYAL MAIL TRUCKS ON DISPLAY
CHILDREN’S RIDES & RIDES ON MINIATURE RAILWAY
STEAM AND DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES TO SEE
MINIATURE MODELS & MODEL RAILWAY DISPLAYS

AND LOTS MORE ……

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Sunday 15th June 2008

2008-06-15T22:48:00.005+02:00

Sunday June 15th saw the annual reunion of North Shed drivers, which was enjoyed by all despite the huge disapointment of the Duchess of Sutherland not being on site as had been anticipated.  All credit to Chairman Rory for the organisation. Because the drivers did not have the privilege of seeing the Duchess, Rory is arranging for a repeat event on August 2nd when there should be a particularly good turn out including Oliver Cromwell.Credit SC for info.


Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Gas Turbine Locomotive

2008-06-15T22:46:00.004+02:00

This is the Gas-Turbine loco 18000 produced by Brown-Boveri in 1950, withdrawn 1960. It is expected to leave the Heritage Centre this week for eventual restoration. Image and information credit to SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Weekend Visitor

2008-06-12T19:08:00.005+02:00

This was a guest at the Heritage Centre last weekend. The steam loco was a 4-2-0 GWR Class, 1447 loco number, it was out in steam all day Sunday and did really well. It should be next down on the Royal Mail weekend and the miniature railway gala. Credit to SC for the picture, and CB for the loco information.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Celebrity Visits

2008-06-09T21:07:00.003+02:00

Crewe Guardian May 29th 2008, page 4 - *click image for larger version*

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Springfield Charity Event Coverage

2008-06-06T08:45:00.002+02:00

*Click image for larger version*

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Charity Event

2008-06-06T08:44:00.001+02:00

Duchess of Sutherland

2008-06-06T08:42:00.004+02:00

The Duchess of Sutherland from the viewing room in North Signal Box. Photo courtesy of and copyright SC.

Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre - Supporting Crewe's Culture, History and Heritage from before the Railways to Today.

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Buses

2008-05-26T10:44:00.002+02:00

Crewe Heritage Centre is base for a number of iconic Routemaster Buses, as well as Bus Rallies from time to time.

The Exhibition Hall

2008-05-26T10:37:00.001+02:00

Details coming

The Crewe Eagles

2008-05-26T10:35:00.000+02:00

The Heritage Centre is home to two of the four Crewe Eagles, and gives the name to the "Friends Of" newsletter, "Eagle".

The Miniature Railway

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The Miniature Railway is a very popular attraction, with its own team of specialist volunteers; a dedicated website is in the links menu to the right.

Join "Friends of Crewe Heritage Centre"

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Each image can be clicked on for larger size; membership form click on, then right click, save and print to send by post. Other contact details available on the right hand side.

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2008

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Signalling Weekend and National Model Railroad Association Day

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2008

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Signalling Weekend

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September 2008

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Miniature Railway Gala

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2008

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Event TBC
National Model Railroad Association Weekend

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November

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Signalling Records Society and Remembrance Weekend

Contact

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E-mail Centre Manager
Telephone Crewe Heritage Centre on 01270 212130

Sections of Crewe Heritage Centre:

E-mail Miniature Railway mobile 07837 387 060

E-mail Exeter West Group

Admission

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2010 Open Season Prices TBC

2009 Admission was:
Day Tickets
Adults £5
Children £2
Seniors £2
Family £10
Ticket includes one free return on the Miniature Railway

Season Tickets
Adults £20
Family £40

Note for those travelling by train and
holding a Valid Rail Ticket on the
Manchester - Crewe and
Derby - Crewe Lines
Buy One - Get One Free on Admission

Opening Times

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Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am to 4.30pm (Last Admission 3.30pm) until the end of September 2008. Other times and dates by negotiation with the Heritage Centre manager.

Exeter West Box

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This box has been completely rebuilt, by the Exeter West Group, exactly as it was in 1960. The equipment has been made to work, so that it is possible to simulate the operation as it was in the final years of Western Region steam.

Crewe North Junction Box

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The box has been rewired to enable demonstrations to be given illustrating the main aspects of signalling.

Where to find us?

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Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DB, England. Map HERE

By Rail

The Crewe Heritage Centre is approximately a 20 minute walk from Crewe Railway Station. Walking from the Station, turn left along Nantwich Road. Walk to the traffic lights and turn right into Mill Street, continue down Mill Street under the railway bridge to the roundabout, turn right into Vernon Way, and then across Tesco Car Park. Buses regularly depart from Crewe Train Station to the town centre.

By Road

From M6 Junction 16 and all other routes follow the signs for Crewe and the brown tourist signs to 'The Railway Age' and 'Crewe Heritage Centre'. We have a small Car Park that is free to visitors (to the right inside our main gate), and to the left just before the gates. If parking anywhere else do take note of charges or restrictions (including Tesco Car Park).

By Bus

A short walk from the bus station - leave the bus station from the east through an arcade, right on to Queensway (Marks and Spencer should be opposite). Across the Market Square towards Costa, Barclays etc, right on to Market Street, staying on the left side. Walk down Market Street, over the bridge, left on to High Street - past the M Club - using the pedestrian crossing across to Tesco car park.

The APT (Advanced Passenger Train)

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Introduced in 1979, the APT, as it is normally referred to, was an InterCity Development train, uniquely designed to provide faster journey times on the West Coast Main Line, culminating in a passenger relief service between London and Glasgow three days a week between 1983-85. Then from 1985-87 it was used solely for development purposes of future electric locomotives.

Built by BREL at Derby, the allocation, which was divided between Glasgow Shields Electric Traction Depot and Crewe ETD, consisted of six rakes and a spare driving vehicle, numbered 370001 - 370007 (Class 370). Each rake would contain up to six articulated trailer vehicles and one non-driving motor vehicle, so that each train set would comprise of two such rakes with the non-driving motor vehicles being situated in the centre of the formation.

To meet the criteria for faster journey times the decision between straightening the track and tilting the train over existing track had to be made. The decision went in favour of the tilting train, hence the special features of the APT were developed.

Hydraulically operated tilt system, controlled by sensors on the bogie frames.
Hydro-kinetic braking system, providing efficient high speed braking to stop the train within existing signalling distances.
Lightweight steel bogies, incorporating specially designed axles for use on the hydro-kinetic braking system, air bag secondary suspension of the vehicles and swinging bolster, jacks and control equipment for the tilt system.
C-APT (Drivers Aid Control - 'Control APT'), electronically controlling the indication of enhanced line speed and restrictions to driver, and acting on his response to these signals.
Four, vehicle mounted, 1000 hp, ASEA LJMA 410F separately excited traction motors, being controlled by power thyristors for variable excitation.

The above items were developed to give a maximum line speed of 155 mph and with tilt the APT could consequently negotiate curves 20%-40% faster than conventional trains.

About Crewe Heritage Centre

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Work In Progress

'Crewe Heritage Centre' is administered by Crewe Heritage Trust Ltd., Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2DB, England. Registered Charity number 1011961.

All facilities described are subject to availability; the Trustees reserve the right to amend facilities without prior notice.