Published 15th March 2012
YORK - The foundations of two former roundhouses have been uncovered next to York station. The discovery was made during preparation work for a major new Network Rail operating centre and training facility.
The York South roundhouses were built by the North Eastern Railway in 1864 on land to the south-west of the station and were used to service and stable steam locomotives until the early 1960s. They featured a central turntable with a number of short roads leading off it that could hold one locomotive each. Although the buildings were demolished after closure, the foundations and pits were simply filled in and covered over.
In recent times the land has been used for what is known as the Engineers Triangle - a triangular track layout built for turning visiting steam locomotives and other vehicles. Controversially, Network Rail wants to remove the triangle to build its new facility - with locomotives being turned instead on the turntable inside the nearby National Railway Museum. The problem with this, however, is that the NRM is not open 24 hours a day and can only be accessed via a depot owned by Siemens.
An alternative solution may be to build another turntable somewhere else. But clearing work around the Engineers Triangle has begun, and the roundhouse pits are now the subject of an archaeological survey.
Train travel in the UK should be a pleasure, not a headache. So if you’re taking a train on the UK railway, start your journey here. We’ve lots of hints, tips and advice to help you find your way around, travel smoothly and arrive in style by train.
Welcome to our #railchat page. Our #railchat discussions take place over on Twitter, with our resident expert Phil Marsh. If you would like to get involved, please do join us, and use the dedicated hashtag #railchat. See our previous discussions below:
Our rail network would be nothing without them. From Stephenson's Rocket to British Rail Class 92 and beyond, explore the facts, information and anecdotes behind the steam, diesel and electric locomotives that built the age of the train.
Book in advance with redspottedhanky.com and save 85% advanced bookings.
From £21.00
Book in advance with redspottedhanky.com and save 92% on advance bookings.
From £6
Latest Tweets
Facebook