WYTHALL WORKS
After the rapid pace of change on the site during the Power Hall construction and fitting out, things now seem a little less frenetic. Nevertheless a fortnight away did remind me just how quickly things change when I noticed just how much had been accomplished during that time!
Since the last report in 'Omnibus' further work has taken place in the bus station area with the cantilever shelter finished but for the acquisition of glass, and the phone box having been fully assembled, again awaiting some final pieces of glass. Also between the bus station and the railway track further GWR fencing has been erected and has now been painted. Recent good weather has allowed Maurice Collignon to make good progress with the painting of the GWR fencing near the entrance gates, fencing that was erected many years ago but not painted.
Whilst the Power Hall was being constructed, our colleagues in the Elmdon Model Engineering Society were busy introducing a 'passing loop' through their station and this has recently been completed allowing them to give the public two circuits of the track without stopping for another train in the station. They have done a lot of work in the station area to improve the appearance and a shelter in railway style is currently being erected. Denis Herbert, as well as continuing with the much appreciated grass cutting, has planted beds in the station area, mainly with fuchsias and these give a very attractive display. On the subject of grass, those who saw the condition of our grassed overflow parking area just after the contractors had finished, will be surprised at how quickly it has recovered.
One of the attractions we offer our visitors is a couple of milk floats where the youngsters can sit in the cab. Being future restoration candidates the paint work of these floats is in poor condition so this is now being rubbed down and will be given a quick repaint.
Most of the intended work on the café and shop has now been completed with more painting and provision of opening windows. There is however one major job still to be tackled - the wall alongside the ramp to the toilets and Scania Hall. Those who have visited the site recently will have noticed its poor condition and this will be remedied over the coming winter.
Now that the Museum has decent toilets for visitors the old Gents is to be retained for the workers to use, particularly the engineers, so that the new toilets do not get covered in grease. Not having any female engineers (yet) the old Ladies toilets have been stripped of all the fittings and internal walls to provide additional storage space.
To help visitors find their way round, some of the roadways within the site have been named and period road name signs acquired and erected. These names feature on a site plan produced by Dave Taylor and posted at strategic points. This is accompanied at the entrance by a chart showing the facilities available although something more permanent is required for next season.
On the vehicle front, Walsall 808 has been taken out of the Power Hall for painting, its place been temporarily taken by the SON. The Midland Red Land Rover now has a place in the Power Hall too. The saga of the Leyland engine for Fleetline 6311 continues, resulting in the bus not being ready to go back on the road for the October event day. Nevertheless, progress is being made and it should be earning its keep by next season.
Other Museum owned buses with recent progress are the Southport open topper, which is now largely complete on the nearside, and the WMPTE liveried D9 where progress is being made with the rebuilding of the rear suspension.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
