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Phase 2, completed in early 2004, was the relatively minor project to finish the north end of the existing Locomotive Running Shed, extended by one bay, and brickwork and roof completed at that end. This was funded partly from money already raised over many years for the purpose, by new donations given specifically for this latest work, and by a contribution from the Bluebell Railway Trust. Photo during construction
What might be termed "Phase 2A" was the completion of the west side brickwork and windows of the locomotive running shed, at Sheffield Park. This was not actually an Operation Undercover project as such, being funded by the Shed wall fund and the Bluebell Railway Trust. This was completed in early 2006 - photos here and here.
The big push during 2003 was the purchase of part of the former Woodpax site at Sheffield Park, for about £300,000, money which was raised by an appeal during the first few months of the year.
The Woodpax site forms the basis for Phase 3 of Operation Undercover, which provides covered accomodation for up to 17 carriages, a new museum building, a new loco washout pit, and the repair and reconstuction of the platform buildings and canopy, provision of toilets on platform 2, and the shell of a building for new loco staff facilities, all at Sheffield Park. The total project cost is £3.9 million, of which £2.875 million is covered by a grant from the heritage Lottery Fund, awarded in March 2008.
At Horsted Keynes we have obtained planning permission for a 20-vehicle storage shed behind the existing shed/works, a component store, and covering the maintenance/pit road. This will enable us to put virtually all the pre-Mk.I carriages under cover. The full scope of Operation Undercover Phase 4 is still being defined, but this part is at present termed Phase 4A.
More details of Operation Undercover Phase 4A are available here.
Photo reports from Derek Hayward showing progress with the construction of the shell for the "Above Workshop Facilities", which as the name suggests are above (but also in front of) the single-storey section of the Loco Workshop. These will provide the Locomotive Department with permanent toilet, shower, messing, locker-room and office facilities, and replace the temporary classroom in the car park.
Photo reports from Derek Hayward showing fully detailed progress on the new shed, and other buildings and canopy on platform 2 at Sheffield Park - 21 January 2012
Photo reports from Derek Hayward showing work on the Loco Washout Pit - 21 January 2012
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Last updated 24 January 2012 by Richard Salmon 