New restoration workspace

It is hoped that soon another major project will be on its way to near completion. Because of funding needs and to help release space in No. 1 Building for the expanding work on locomotive rebuilds and maintenance, the GCR Rolling Stock Trust is aiming to help with construction of the new concrete floor slabs needed in Building No. 5, to be constructed in two longitudinal parts to allow for the driving in of concrete lorries to the point of pour.

With the floor scraped and levelled, probably by Sinbad Plant, with a 75mm layer of MoT Type 1 placed on top, it will be time to lay the first of the two tracks in the building. Then half of the 200mm thick concrete slabs will be cast, either side of the track. Once done, the process will be repeated for the second half. As the rail will be exposed there will be need for a ramp of concrete at each end to bring the level up to top of rail and to provide a seal for the end doors. This work will be done as a subsequent phase.

While it is hoped to obtain further sponsorship of concrete, the Trust is to assist funding of the project by having a specialist such as Fosseway Flooring carry out the slab pours. This is being done in exchange for occupancy of some of Building No. 5 by the 6-wheeler and the Barnum, currently in Building No. 1. Sounds a good deal.

The Trust's plans for Building No. 4 are with Rushcliffe Borough Council for planning approval. As we have virtually decided against HLF funding for this part of the project, with a redesign of the structure by Peter Wilson and with the technical support of Mike Fairburn, the building is now intended to be based on a simple spanning of steel beams between Buildings Nos. 3 and 5. This will be a single slope roof, using redundant cladding from Building No. 3, and new steel columns to adjoin the Bus Museum Buildings No. 2 and projected 2a.

These actions, together with the early laying of track into Building No. 4 area, will help relieve the pressure on No. 1 space, clear the yard and improve the protection of our more vulnerable rolling stock.

Appeal for funds required...

It goes without saying that the Trust is looking for funding support, so an appeal for £25,000 is to be launched as soon as we have the steel work specification and costings. We do hope that you will help support this major step forward, remembering that every £100 given by Gift Aid brings your tax cash back of a further £28. That’s valuable and why otherwise let your hard earned cash go to Gordon Brown anyway?