Sunday 3rd August 2008

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

National Model Railroad Association Day

Brake Van, Bentley, and APT

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