Article from BTNews 20 MARCH 2017
Train spotters’ day out
Exactly 111 years since opening on 17 March 1906, Great Western Railway (GWR) on Friday announced its renowned Old Oak Common (OOC) depot will be opened to the public for a special day on 2 September to celebrate its contribution to maintaining the Legends of the Great Western.
On display will be a special collection of old and new trains and locomotives that helped to earn GWR the nickname ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’. The full line-up will be announced soon.
During its 111-year history, the depot and its staff have maintained everything from the Kings and Castles of the steam era to the diesel-powered Westerns and Warships.
In 1976, the depot was the regional maintenance hub for the newly-introduced High Speed Train (HST), which changed the face of intercity travel in the UK.
While the HST fleet still operates, it is soon to be replaced after more than 40 years’ service by the new Hitachi Intercity Express Train, due to enter service later this year.
Tickets for the open day will go on sale shortly, with all profits going to the depot’s chosen charity Place2Be, which provides mental health support for children in schools.
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