More than 100 years of London’s Olympic railway history has been brought to life online, with architectural plans and drawings of some of the capital’s biggest and busiest stations – including King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge and Stratford – available on Network Rail’s online archive from today.http://www.networkrail.co.uk/virtualarchive/olympics-connection/
The virtual archive was launched in February 2012, with today’s new section celebrating the role of the stations millions will use during the Games.
Network Rail’s archivist Vicky Stretch explains why this new section has been added: “With millions of visitors to Britain this summer, we wanted to add a special section on those stations in the capital that everyone will pass through. With everyone focused on this fortnight, it’s fascinating to also look back at how things were different in 1908 and 1948 as the rail sector was quite different then.
“We hope that the archive helps people to understand the incredibly detailed and beautiful architectural work carried out by some of the world’s greatest engineers, and are still important for engineers working for us today.”
Several railway companies were drawn to Stratford, gateway to the Olympic Park, in the first half of the 19th century. The original station on the site was built in 1839 on the first section of the Eastern Counties Railway main line to Colchester. Soon after a second station was built by the North Eastern Railway and in 1847 the two stations were combined. In 1846 a third company, the Eastern Counties & Thames Junction Railway built a line from Stratford to Canning Town and their Stratford Low Level station was added adjacent to the existing stations.
With only a small section of the five million railway records available for the first phase of the virtual archive, visitors are invited to ‘ask the archivist’ questions about the collection.
Enthusiasts can also for the first time purchase a print of their favorite railway image. Network Rail is working with Mediastorehouse to enable people to buy or license high quality digital images for instant download as well as prints (including framed prints and canvases), key rings, magnets, mugs, mouse mats, jigsaws and greetings cards. All profits from this commercial activity will go back into helping Network Rail manage, maintain and improve Britain’s railways.
The website also has social media sharing functionality, which encourages people to share images with their friends and families.
The virtual archive was launched in February 2012, with today’s new section celebrating the role of the stations millions will use during the Games.
- In 1908 there were many different railway companies serving the capital and far from supporting the Olympic Games they were primarily interested in transport links for the Franco-British Exhibition which was held at the same time and also at White City.
- The 1948 ‘austerity’ Olympics was more sophisticated, with the newly nationalised British Railways and London transport executives working with the Olympic Games ‘Decorations Sub-Committee’ to publicise the event. The Committee provided the railways with special Olympic flags and Olympic shields
- This year it is anticipated that 11 million spectators will get to the Games on foot, by bicycle or via public transport with 80% expected to choose rail. An additional three million journeys are expected on the busiest days of the Games.
Network Rail’s archivist Vicky Stretch explains why this new section has been added: “With millions of visitors to Britain this summer, we wanted to add a special section on those stations in the capital that everyone will pass through. With everyone focused on this fortnight, it’s fascinating to also look back at how things were different in 1908 and 1948 as the rail sector was quite different then.
“We hope that the archive helps people to understand the incredibly detailed and beautiful architectural work carried out by some of the world’s greatest engineers, and are still important for engineers working for us today.”
Several railway companies were drawn to Stratford, gateway to the Olympic Park, in the first half of the 19th century. The original station on the site was built in 1839 on the first section of the Eastern Counties Railway main line to Colchester. Soon after a second station was built by the North Eastern Railway and in 1847 the two stations were combined. In 1846 a third company, the Eastern Counties & Thames Junction Railway built a line from Stratford to Canning Town and their Stratford Low Level station was added adjacent to the existing stations.
With only a small section of the five million railway records available for the first phase of the virtual archive, visitors are invited to ‘ask the archivist’ questions about the collection.
Enthusiasts can also for the first time purchase a print of their favorite railway image. Network Rail is working with Mediastorehouse to enable people to buy or license high quality digital images for instant download as well as prints (including framed prints and canvases), key rings, magnets, mugs, mouse mats, jigsaws and greetings cards. All profits from this commercial activity will go back into helping Network Rail manage, maintain and improve Britain’s railways.
The website also has social media sharing functionality, which encourages people to share images with their friends and families.
Copycat station is a glass act
A railway station built to serve a growing seaside resort and designed to be a miniature copy of a nearby hotel is making the most of what little sunshine there is during the dull and wet British summer.
Grange-over-Sands station has ornate Victorian glass canopies at the front of the station building and above both platforms, incorporating fine filigree work and finials.
The summer sunshine is flooding the station now that the glazing has been replaced and when the sun does not shine, new lighting takes over.
The station opened in 1867 and was designed by EG Paley as a mini version of Grange Hotel, which he also designed and is situated across the road
Andy Morgan, Network Rail’s route asset manager (buildings), said: “This is a fine old station that has remained largely unchanged for nearly 150 years, and we have tried to be sympathetic to the original design when carrying out renovations.”
The platform and station entrance canopies have been completely re-glazed as has the platform 2 canopy support wall. The steel and timber superstructure have been repaired or replaced, along with the all the guttering and downpipes.
Painted in red, green and cream, the work cost nearly £250,000 and was delivered by Network Rail’s LNW property works team.
CABINET SECRETARY OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW £8m STATION
Wednesday 01 Aug 2012 09:00
A railway station built to serve a growing seaside resort and designed to be a miniature copy of a nearby hotel is making the most of what little sunshine there is during the dull and wet British summer.
Grange-over-Sands station has ornate Victorian glass canopies at the front of the station building and above both platforms, incorporating fine filigree work and finials.
The summer sunshine is flooding the station now that the glazing has been replaced and when the sun does not shine, new lighting takes over.
The station opened in 1867 and was designed by EG Paley as a mini version of Grange Hotel, which he also designed and is situated across the road
Andy Morgan, Network Rail’s route asset manager (buildings), said: “This is a fine old station that has remained largely unchanged for nearly 150 years, and we have tried to be sympathetic to the original design when carrying out renovations.”
The platform and station entrance canopies have been completely re-glazed as has the platform 2 canopy support wall. The steel and timber superstructure have been repaired or replaced, along with the all the guttering and downpipes.
Painted in red, green and cream, the work cost nearly £250,000 and was delivered by Network Rail’s LNW property works team.
Network Rail officially unveiled the new-look Gourock Station today (Wednesday, August 1) in a ceremony led by Alex Neil MSP, cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment.
The event marked the completion of a two-year, £8million project by Network Rail – the owner and operator of Scotland’s railway infrastructure – to provide a brighter and more welcoming environment for passengers and staff.
A brand-new station building has been constructed, the platforms and canopies renovated and the sea-wall redesigned to incorporate glazed sections that offer unobstructed sea views for visitors.
A new covered walkway also connects the station to the nearby ferry terminal, while the redesign of Station Road and the car-park has resulted in an increase in commuter parking as well as a better integration of road, rail and ferry links.
A key transport hub for the area, the new station has also been designed to accommodate any future redevelopment of the waterfront area.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said, “Gourock Station is now fit for the modern commuter – providing a functional, yet attractive, building that creates a great first impression for visitors to the waterfront.
“Network Rail is committed to investing in our network and infrastructure to make rail a competitive alternative to the car and this station is an excellent example of the facilities the industry can provide for commuters.”
Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to enhancing rail services. Our £5 billion blueprint for the future of Scotland’s trains and rail network, announced earlier this summer, sets out a raft of measures for attractive and affordable fares, supports growth in freight and demands better integration of rail services with buses, bikes and ferries.
“This visit today allows me to see at first hand the completion of the enhanced facilities at Gourock and I look forward to it playing a role in boosting the area as a holiday and day trip destination. The new station building and the covered walkway to the ferry terminal will also be more welcoming for passengers.
“The way in which rail industry partners have worked together to deliver this project, without disrupting rail services, is an example for future project delivery. The Alliance agreement recently signed between Network Rail and ScotRail can also build upon the good practice which has been evident at Gourock to help progress upcoming rail projects across the country.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, added: “Our customers will undoubtedly appreciate this excellent investment in Gourock station, with much improved facilities and a more welcoming atmosphere. Investments of this calibre attract more people to rail which is warmly welcomed.”
The event marked the completion of a two-year, £8million project by Network Rail – the owner and operator of Scotland’s railway infrastructure – to provide a brighter and more welcoming environment for passengers and staff.
A brand-new station building has been constructed, the platforms and canopies renovated and the sea-wall redesigned to incorporate glazed sections that offer unobstructed sea views for visitors.
A new covered walkway also connects the station to the nearby ferry terminal, while the redesign of Station Road and the car-park has resulted in an increase in commuter parking as well as a better integration of road, rail and ferry links.
A key transport hub for the area, the new station has also been designed to accommodate any future redevelopment of the waterfront area.
David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said, “Gourock Station is now fit for the modern commuter – providing a functional, yet attractive, building that creates a great first impression for visitors to the waterfront.
“Network Rail is committed to investing in our network and infrastructure to make rail a competitive alternative to the car and this station is an excellent example of the facilities the industry can provide for commuters.”
Alex Neil, cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to enhancing rail services. Our £5 billion blueprint for the future of Scotland’s trains and rail network, announced earlier this summer, sets out a raft of measures for attractive and affordable fares, supports growth in freight and demands better integration of rail services with buses, bikes and ferries.
“This visit today allows me to see at first hand the completion of the enhanced facilities at Gourock and I look forward to it playing a role in boosting the area as a holiday and day trip destination. The new station building and the covered walkway to the ferry terminal will also be more welcoming for passengers.
“The way in which rail industry partners have worked together to deliver this project, without disrupting rail services, is an example for future project delivery. The Alliance agreement recently signed between Network Rail and ScotRail can also build upon the good practice which has been evident at Gourock to help progress upcoming rail projects across the country.”
Steve Montgomery, managing director of ScotRail, added: “Our customers will undoubtedly appreciate this excellent investment in Gourock station, with much improved facilities and a more welcoming atmosphere. Investments of this calibre attract more people to rail which is warmly welcomed.”
More news at Network Rail Media Centre
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