January 2016

As part of the De Witt Kilns project, a new loco shed has been built to house "Burt", the standard gauge Motor Rail 9019/1951 originaly from Burt, Boulton and Haywood Timber, Erith, Kent.

Started in December 2014, work has required a metre deep excavation in order to gain a level trackbed for the eventual occupants. Burt will be the first occupant. The shed will also accommodate two wagons awaiting completion of their restoration.

Early in 2015, the groundwork had been completed and the concrete pads for the steel structure cast.

This work was quickly follwed by the erection of the steel frame.

The corrugated cladding is black. This helps this new building merge into the Amberley site very cleanly.

Inside is bright and already has electric light.

Work to finished the project is well on the way with the blockwork for the lower walls currently being built up.
Track will follow once this is completed.

The museum is truly fortunate to have benefitted from the generosity of an anonymous donor who made the project possible, and a dedicated troop of volunteers to help with humping, dumping, lifting, carrying, concreting and titivating in order to bring the works to completion. Thanks are also due to the Friends of Amberley Museum who financed the cost of the window glass.

(Words and pictures by Tony Johnson)