Richard Antliff, civil engineering manager at the museum, standing centre with other members of the team
VOLUNTEERS at Didcot Railway Centre recreated a train track conversion from 120 years ago.
In 1892 some 4,700 men converted 177 miles of Great Western Railway broad gauge track, designed by Brunel, to the narrow standard gauge being used everywhere else in the country. And at the weekend, 10 volunteers got up at 4am to lay about 50 ft of track, using period methods.
Richard Antliff, civil engineering manager at the museum said: “The whole operation was quite thrilling – an experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”
More broad gauge track will be added in coming years for the centre’s replica locomotive Fire Fly, pictured in the engine shed behind, to run on.
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