In the press again...

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'

"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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Shrewsbury 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

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. This board showed tickets to / from Shrewsbury from 1899 to the present. Some Crewe tickets were located. Courtesy of Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust who were happy for me to take photos of the displays. Clicking the images will enlarge them.

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

www.friendsofcreweheritagecentre.org.uk

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August 2008

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

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

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

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008

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

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

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

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

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

*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

Duchess of Sutherland

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