Our Current and Future improvement Projects
Like every heritage railway in the UK, and across the world, the list of improvement projects is long, complex and will take a lifetime to achieve. However, that doesn’t stop us from moving forwards and continually improving the Gunpowder Railway.
Read about current progress in our Diary.
Current Projects
Carriage Works Building Extension
The railway crew are currently constructing an extension to the Carriage Works and Storage building to allow further passenger stock (such as our people mover) to be stored under cover.
A Wickham Trolley
A narrow gauge Wickham-inspired trolley is currently under construction within the locomotive works. The Wickham trolley was a railway engineering personnel carrier built locally by D. Wickham & Co of Ware, Hertfordshire. This long established firm introduced their rail trolley in 1922 as a lightweight track inspection and maintenance vehicle. We are recreating a narrow gauge version due to its close and historic links to the site.
A New Brake Van
Our current brake van is great but a little heavy therefore a lighter alternative is currently under construction within the carriage works this is to then allow our Gilbert locomotive to also be available to pull passenger trains
Restoration of the Dough Paste Van
This van from 1941 is currently undergoing restoration within the Carriage Works. This was the most dangerous part of explosive manufacture – gun cotton was saturated with nitro-glycerine and became dough paste which was sent for mixing via a dough van which is currently being restored.
Future Projects
Extension to Quinan Stoves.
Still in the planning stage is to extend the line further north and allow visitors to see and explore more of the historic site. When completed this will allow for two passenger train running to take place.