An Open Day at the Epping Ongar Railway

Something for transport geeks…

The under-restoration Epping Ongar Railway in North-East London has announced that it will be having an open day for the public next month – specifically Sunday 3rd July – to visit the recently restored 1865 station and its associated 1888 signal box at North Weald.

The Epping Ongar Railway operated on 6.5 miles of preserved railway along the final section of the old Great Eastern Railway and London Underground’s Central Line between Epping and Ongar, with an intermediate station at North Weald.

The line was closed by London Underground in 1994, and was reopened in late 2004 as a privately owned diesel engine driven commuter service, but closed again in 2008 to focus on restoration of the line to prepare it for the return of steam services in the future.

On the open day:

In addition to seeing the restored station and signal box you will also have a opportunity to look behind the scenes and see the restoration process in action. Some of the heritage coaches, which are being restored will also be on-display.

Two engines, Class 37 D6729 and Class 03 03170 will also be in action, providing cab rides for a small fee – with proceeds going towards the restoration of the railway.

Entry to North Weald Station (map link) is free.

In addition:

There is also a connecting shuttle bus service between the local aerodrome and the station as part of a Bus Rally which is also happening on the same day; the bus will run every 20 minutes from 11.40 onwards, until approximately 4pm.

That costs a slightly steep £8, but does seem to be for rides on all the buses around the rally – details here.