The Restoration Shed and Workshops
The Restoration Shed is to the back of the site at the North End, adjacent to Platform 3, it is used as a place where members can work on the various items of rolling stock which need restoration, it is also used to stable a number of Steam Engines and special items (such as Number 19 and 553).
The Restoration Shed was used with the help of the Manpower Services Commission in 1983 - 1985 to provide facilities vital for the restoration and maintenance of locomotives, rolling stock and other equipment.
Prior to to the construction of this shed, the restoration of rolling stock took place either in the Goods Shed - which only allowed one vehicle in at a time or outside in the open. The opening of the Restoration Shed allowed the Goods Shed to be returned to its 1891 condition.
Most of the materials and components for the structure came from the sheds erected to house air compressors during the construction of the second Dartford Tunnel, with the brick facings coming from the former Goods Shed at Witham Railway Station.
Various additional improvements have been made to the Restoration Shed since it was built, what was an Earth Floor was concreted over in 1993 and new and improved lighting was installed in 1994, In 2008 a new toilet block, (including Disabled Facilities) will be built in the entrance lobby of this building.
Groups of volunteers can often be seen in this shed working on the trains, please feel free to enter and have a chat with them, they will always be happy to answer any questions you have, however as this is a working environment, please take care.