Epping-Ongar Railway: 23rd September 2012

Prepared by Ian Smith, 28th September 2012.

339: North Weald Station to Epping Station: RCL2260

A look at the bus timetable suggested that there was a bus due towards Epping, which would then start the afternoon round of buses to and from Ongar. I walked over to RT1700 in the rain, and found that driver Terry was on his lunch break. But a few minutes later RCL2260 arrived, with Epping on the front, and stopped next to the RT.

I boarded the RCL, and took a seat upstais at the front. Today there were few passengers, the weather keeping most folks at home. The skies darkened further as we headed west into Epping Forest, as we caught part of the weather that was today turning the Vale of York into a vast lake. Through driving rain we went through Epping and down to the station, where again there were few takers.

Epping Station to Ongar (Two Brewers): RCL2260

We set off again through the downpour, back up into Epping, where we met Regal Busways EnviroDart EU10OJE trying to squeeze between parked cars and the traffic islands in the centre of the road. We continued through the forest to North Weald Station, where we whorled around and continued on throgh the village to The Harvester, where we joined the rolling A414 to Ongar across the Essex farmland. We turned off the trunk road down Ongar High Street, pausing opposite the station before continuing along the village street to the terminus at The Two Brewers.

339: Ongar (Two Brewers) to North Weald Station: RCL2260

If there had been no passengers for the return trip (me excepted), Roger would have taken the RCL back to base to swap it for an RT, as the windscreen wiper was playing up. Not something one wanted on a day like this. But we did pick up a passenger at the station stop. Just by the station entrance we passed the railway's major on-site advert: the diminutive Ruston shunter plinthed by the entrance. Then it was back the way we had come, as far as North Weald Station, where I decided that I needed the services of the Anglia Buffet Car.

North Weald Station: Anglia Buffet

I left Roger to continue to Epping, and went across to the buffet car, where I received a warm welcome and excellent food..

Two o'clock was one of those meeting times at North Weald. The train from Ongar arrived, pulling in alongside the Coopersale shuttle, and buses were due to leave for both Epping and Ongar.

339: North Weald Station to Ongar and back: RCL2260/RT3228

The rain continued to bucket down. There were no passengers for this bus trip to Ongar, so Roger took the opportunity to both cover the entire route and swap the bus for RT3228. Every service has to run: this is a registered bus service.

Nevertheless we were a little late at Ongar (Two Brewers), and Roger turned the RT without stopping. But the road works traffic control in the High Street turned to red as we approached, and I took the opportunity to collect a photo, despite the murky weather. Then it was on to North Weald, where both RTs could pose together on the (wet) station forecourt.

339: North Weald Station to Epping and back: RT3228

I continued on the Green Line RT to Epping Station as the heavy shower abated somewhat. The light was rather better by the time we called at the Tube station. By now the RT had warmed up properly, and sounded more mellifluous than when it was first started. We returned through Epping and the Forest again, passing Coopersale Road End. Roger told me that next year he plans to operate a 381 service as well. This summer he has run the 396 from Harlow on some days in August, as well as the 339 on every day that the railway operates..

Back at North Weald it was Roger's turn for a meal break, and we retired again to the Anglia Buffet for a cuppa.

339: North Weald Station to Ongar, and back to Epping : RT1700

I wanted to travel on the other RT as well, so when RT1700 arrived heading for Ongar I made my thanks to Roger and Wendy and headed out to join it. RT1700, a Country bus, has a slightly different tone from RT3228. Driver Terry whisked us efficiently eastwards to Ongar, where we had a few minutes at the Two Brewers terminus.

Then it was back up the A414 to the Harvester, then west through North Weald to the station. I travelled on top this time, enjoying the extensive views. Beyond North Weald I caught glimpses of the Airfield, once so important during the Battle of Britain and now a home for preserved aircraft, including jets. Then we ducked under the M11 and passed through the Forest to Epping, and down to the Station.

Many thanks to The Epping-Ongar Railway, who made me very welcome. Despite the appalling weather they remained cheerful, helpful and courteous. There was no difference between those who knew that Roger Wright had invited me, and those who didn't. The railway everywhere shows the evidence of rapid professional growth, of knowing where it wants to go and achieving it. Especial thanks to Roger and Wendy for making it a very memorable day.

For information on the railway, visit their website.

Photos by Ian Smith. Click on any of them for a larger picture.

Ian's Bus-stop 1 2 3