Visit to Mangapps Railway and Museum

Location Visit

A brand new three road building welcomed the South Essex Branch on their annual visit to Mangapps Railway and Museum on Monday 15th July.

This new structure provides a new entrance to the site and is covered accommodation for the shop/buffet coaches and for the newly acquired 1912 Gresley brake composite, which was a major star in the Jon Snow TV series on Restoration!.

Also now under cover is the rare elderly Great Eastern coach of 1863, which is resting on 4-wheel trucks of similar vintage, originally from the Shoeburyness Military Railway.

Latest of the recent arrivals are the yellow liveried Class 31s, 31105 and 31233. The former hauled the visitors in the CPR caboose along the “Branch” and on to the terminus at Old Heath.

To round off a most enjoyable evening, 03089 with modified 1910 GN carriage E43178E took the party on a “normal” run up the main line.

Another pleasant visit, favoured by beautiful sunny weather and we thank June and John Jolly for their hospitality.