The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed is an accredited museum which houses numerous displays and artefacts from the age of steam. Throughout the museum there is a route you can follow to guide you through the exhibits and memorabilia so you can experience how railways used to be. The route will help you understand the history of the railways and the steam locomotive and the lives of the people who built, operated and maintained them. There are a number of display cabinets for you to browse so you can take your time and gain a real insight into how things used to be.
While the exhibition has been created for you to explore how the steam locomotive functions, who 'made it go', and how it was built - from the drawing board to the workshop and even to the publicity photograph. You will also discover how the steam locomotive has fascinated generations of children and adults alike through playing with model railways and even the real thing!
A short guide through railway history will help you come to understand how the railway system has expanded and contracted throughout the life of the steam locomotive - the most human of man's inventions: one that has provided service, employment, and 'wonder' for two hundred years. A selection of archive film and other audio-visual productions compliment the exhibits. You can also learn about ‘Bahamas’ the engine which gave the museum it's original name of Bahamas Locomotive Society. The locomotive has nearly completed its overhaul and should be back in service in 2018.
The workshop, which is attached to the museum, provides the facilities for the maintenance and overhaul of locomotives and rolling stock. Some of the work undertaken here may be viewed from the upper gallery of the museum by climbing the spiral staircase. You will also be able to view the two steam locomotives usually on display in the museum, Nunlow and Tiny.
Amongst the items of rolling stock outside the museum is the Craven steam breakdown crane. This crane, built in 1931, is capable of lifting weights of up to 50 tons, and is maintained in working order for use when required.
