Progress Report - November 2025

Throughout the summer, Chris, our stonemason, has made significant advances with the stonework on the building structure. The stonework has now reached approximately 5ft above ground level, giving visitors a much clearer impression of the building’s final appearance. Chris’s work during this period has included carefully installing the stones that form the lower sections of both the window surrounds and the door jambs. More recently, Chris has focused his efforts on the platform recess, a task which has involved positioning several very large stones. Additionally, he has been working on building up the stonework to windowsill level for the bay window at the London end of the building, further contributing to the overall development and appearance of the structure.

Chris laying the bay window cill - Photo: F Dumbleton

The team has continued their efforts to transport stone up to the building as necessary, ensuring that construction can progress efficiently. Alongside this, they have removed any waste material generated. These ongoing activities have resulted in a noticeable reduction of surplus stone along the main demonstration line near the picnic area. Nevertheless, some material remains to be cleared, and it is anticipated that the complete removal of all ‘Heyford’ stone from this area will take up to another year.

Stonework and paving in the platform recess, shewing some of the massive stones forming decorative pillars (like No, 221) and the main door surround - 9-Nov-25

As autumn progresses, Chris will soon need to pause stone laying operations for the winter months as the use of lime mortar is not practical in cold and wet conditions. Stone laying activities will then resume in the spring, once more favourable weather returns. In addition to the ongoing construction on the building itself, the team has also completed the concrete slabbing on the platform side. This involved carefully laying more ex-Tiverton Junction paving in the recess area, bringing to a conclusion the work undertaken prior to the Rivals Reunited event in May. The completion of this section marks a significant step forward in the overall appearance of the project, ensuring a solid and finished appearance on the platform side

The area around the urinal is starting to take shape - 9-Nov-25

In addition to the ongoing station building works, attention has continued to be given to the restoration of the ex-Castle Cary cast iron urinal. The team has successfully cleaned and painted all the surviving sections, ensuring that the existing ironwork is preserved and protected from further deterioration. At present, efforts are focused on identifying suitable methods for replacing the missing components and carrying out some of the more complex repairs that are required to restore the urinal to its former condition. As part of this process, the team is considering whether investing in a 3D scanner would be appropriate, as this technology could assist in accurately reproducing missing parts not only for the urinal, but also for elements of the station building itself. 

Whilst these restoration efforts are ongoing, work has also progressed to provide a suitable setting for the urinal on the Oxford Road platform. Since the last report, the urinal has been successfully connected to the building’s sewerage system, and the ground has been re-levelled. This groundwork has made it possible to lay vintage diamond bricks around the area, creating an authentic and suitably period surface. Additionally, preparations are being made for the installation of a screen and paling fence in traditional railway style. This feature will replicate the character and spirit of the original arrangement found at Castle Cary, further enhancing the historical integrity of the setting.

Oxford Road Station approach - 9-Nov-25

Attention has recently turned to the station approach and forecourt, an aspect of the project that has its origins in plans developed by Richard Antliff approximately forty years ago. At that time, Richard carefully considered how the large new building could be integrated within the relatively limited space available for the station’s entrance and frontage. Initial work has commenced to lay out the station approach commencing with the installation of the substantial entrance gateway. This is formed from two gateposts made out of Barlow rail, that were recovered many years ago from Bridgwater Docks. 

Alan Price (who has clearly forgotten the advice about what to do when you are in a hole!) - 9-Oct-25.

For those with a passion for historic permanent way, Barlow rail is a particularly interesting diversion. Originally invented in 1849 by W H Barlow, engineer for the Midland Railway, the rail was designed to be laid directly in ballast without the use of sleepers or ties. The rail itself was exceptionally heavy, weighing 125 pounds per yard, but costs were offset by eliminating the need for timber components. Isambard Kingdom Brunel, known as an early adopter, specified the use of Barlow rail for the South Wales Railway between Swansea and Carmarthen in 1852. Perhaps inevitably the rail section proved unsuccessful in practice. Its rigidity made it extremely difficult to bend for smooth curves, and maintaining the correct gauge was problematic due to the challenge of properly consolidating ballast. As a result, the Barlow rail was not widely adopted in railway construction and was indeed quickly removed and sold off. This resulted in the availability of a large quantity of recently rolled heavy steel section which was utilised for many engineering purposes both by the railways and others. Away from the railways perhaps the most substantial use which can still be viewed today was for the structural members of Clevedon Pier, opened in 1869. The railways used surplus Barlow rail for all sorts of structures such as bridge decks, and as we see here gateposts. The gateposts are formed from two lengths of Barlow rail bolted back to back and fitted with a specially cast cap – and yes they are indeed heavy! The posts are some 10’6” long and, if I have managed the arithmetic correctly, that means that each individual length is some 31 stone (or approx. 200kg if you been metrificated).

Some of the gatepost erecting team - Steve Ryder, Tim Part, Tim Masson, Robert Heron, Alan Whiffen - 9-Oct-25. Photo. Alan Price

Finally, we are pleased that Isambard Kingdom Brunel's great-great-great-grandson, Jim Noble, who helped us to lay the first plinth stones in June last year together with his son Zeb, paid a return visit to the railway centre on 26th October to see how we were getting on.

Jim Noble trys out a window cill for size - 26-Oct-25. Photo: F Dumbleton

As ever, if you’d like to get involved or you can help in any way, please contact Tim Part gws.heyford@outlook.com or via the Didcot Office, or turn up any Thursday.