Ahead of our move to the new Darlington Locomotive Works next month, we are pleased to report that Wilmott Dixon are concluding work on the building as planned. The final fit out is underway, with snagging lists agreed and due for completion in the coming week. Outside, there is landscaping work underway, and the road surface is being prepared ready for receiving No. 2007 Prince of Wales in the near future.
From the images in the gallery below, we are sure you'll agree that both the workshop and office spaces are very impressive. Visitors are currently required to wear plastic overshoes to protect the floor materials - we will be taking special care not to get oil and coal dust in the carpet once we have the keys!
Following a detailed site visit with Network Rail, Darlington Borough Council and our own engineers, a clear preferred layout is now finalised for our new home.
Whilst the broad layout has not changed, we are now able to give a plan that will allow a full length charter train to arrive into the site without being split. We have also reduced expenditure by only using one span of the bridge over nearby Otley Terrace and also avoids major signal cable movements. Almost all of the plain line for the track has been sourced and is either on site or about to be delivered. Point work and other requirements are also due for delivery later this year before track working commences in the Autumn after construction work at the 1861 site is completed.
The P-Way Gang remains open for new sign ups if you wish to support our endeavours in that space, helping us to tailor the site for our needs and install that all important main line connection. New track plans have been worked up, and they too can be found in the gallery below. A £750 donation (with option for payment in installments), would see your name - or that of a loved one - displayed next to these plans in the new works.
Once the move date is confirmed, we will be making plans for all supporters to visit our new home ahead of its public opening. You can become a Covenantor from as little as £2.50 a week - find out more here.