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Open day today: Great West Railway depot up the road!

We've often spoken about the railway line from the old Brentford Docks up to Southall.   Indeed much of the line is still used! It starts behind PC World...and follows the Grand Union Canal to the Three Bridges in Windmill Lane (near Noons Food Factory) and branches left infront of Armstrong Way (Matelan Factory Outlet) and Collet Way to join the main line railway just before Southall Station.At the end of Collet Way is the entrance to the Great Western Railway Preservation Society headquarters and outbuildings..and they have another OPEN DAY today Sunday from 11am.One can wander around a wide area of disused railway lines, old railway sheds, various steam engines and carriages...meet the enthusiasts..and have tea and refreshments. You will be supporting their efforts too.If you manage to visit for a hour or two..you'll visit pastures of our local area that you perhaps didn't even know existed.So travel up past the Sultan of Brunei's pad at Avery Farm (he visited his home there 2 years ago apparently!)..over the narrow bridge (three bridges) left into Armstrong Way..and on to Collet Way.The website for news and information is www.gwrpg.co.uk

Jim Lawes ● 6517d6 Comments

Dean was overjoyed to see this type of steam engine. He said it's called a 'tank engine' as the tank sits over the engine, and he also said as the man was loading the fire, that he will go to the right side, then next shovel to the middle and lastly to the left side. He was explaining it to me because they have to keep the fire even. Lost me there! Dean said thanks Jim.It looked like Percy from Thomas the tank engine if you ask me!!

Joan Perry ● 6514d

Excellent video Jim, Dean and little Ryan will love it. Ryan just loves the sound of the train 'puffing' as he calls it. We have to have volume turned up high for him. In the steam days you couldn't sit down and relax when your in control of a steam engine. Great shot though of the slow and the fast era.

Joan Perry ● 6515d

The steam engine activity just up the road from Brentford was certainly yet another local place to visit from time to time.August Bank Holiday are the next opening days. See the website for entry fees..from the ticket office! There is a video on YouTube about the Steam locomotive  "Birkenhead" that's located there and which I had a ride on!.  The video was made a few months ago. Something more for Dean to see!

Jim Lawes ● 6515d

Jim, thank you for sharing these train pics. I will show Dean later. He's very interested in the preservation of steam engines and carriages.

Joan Perry ● 6515d

A further trip today to visit the unusual activity going on up there by the Three Bridges!The lonesome line again..going towards Southall..from Brentford. There is a daily train of empty wagons along this track that goes to the large Waste Depot in Transport Avenue, Brentford..and then loads up with LANDFILL WASTE, (they say) to be taken afar.  In addition there apparently is a weekly train that delivers sand and gravel to Brentford.-------------------------------------------------------Back at the adjoining GWR Preservation Society Group depot..work continues to restore ,display and play with a wide range of railway vehicles!-------------------------------------------------------Lots of rail/road vehicles parked around. Aren't they unusual too?--------------------------------------------------------Here is a unique locomotive made by the old AEC works..once located where Noons is now. AEC were makers of the famous Routemaster buses. Before the War they designed and made this locomotive with a view to going into mass production. The War came..and put a stop to that. When AEC closed..this GWR group bought this unique item.---------------------------------------------------------There are regular open days..and the fresh air is to enjoyed too! Soon there was a steam engine trip to be experienced!Let's check the couplings first!----------------------------------------------------------And the engine with an attached guards van was away!----------------------------------------------------------Every 20 minutes the service..although the guards van was a wee bleak. At least it had a small stove should the cold weather suddenly arrive!----------------------------------------------------------My favourite was the Ministry of Defence one coach carriage that worked at secret locations..and sometimes underground!-----------------------------------------------------------The canteen was a joy..super tea..and cakes..and good conversation with like minds. Loads of Railway items for sale..books, videos, greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles, and much more.They all deserve your support and a visit. August Bank Holiday is next open day.

Jim Lawes ● 6516d

A picture of the lonesome railway line from Southall to Brentford...seen from an isolated bridge near Glade Lane, Southall.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"We love steam trains..restoring them and more!"------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wandering around I bumped into this lonely carriage! Most unusual isn't it?  ------------------------------------------------------And there's lots more.. perhaps Naafi tea as well!

Jim Lawes ● 6517d