Cholsey & Wallingford
Railway Canopy

Network Rail (NR) recognised the importance of the former GWR Maidenhead station canopy, seen above in its demolished condition. NR promised to dismantle and donate the structure to the Cholsey and Wallingford Heritage Railway, but communication in large organisations is not always what it should be.  What could have been a relatively simple operation became a giant jig saw requiring careful piecing together and remaking of components cut up with chainsaw and oxy-acetylene torch.

The canopy dates from between 1872 and 1874 and is one of the few remaining Brunellian Sheds still in existence. As such it received funding from Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust to repair and reinstate in Wallingford. In 2015 the Morton Partnership were commissioned to survey the structure, prior to tendering the works. 

We see one of the main trusses is being ‘laid-up’, set out over the datum marks and fitted with new compression struts. Every component is fitted together in this way to ensure final assembly goes without a hitch.

Finding good quality Scandinavian grown Pine was important to ensuring the longevity of the ‘Dagger Boards’, all of which were replaced. Quite a few boards had to be rejected as we disallowed the inclusion of sapwood, which is less durable than the heartwood. Some of the cast iron columns had to be repaired or recast, as was the case with the decorative spandrels, many of which were damaged in the demolition process. 

Passenger services from Wallingford ceased in 1959. It is now possible to buy a ticket and travel by steam from Wallingford to Cholsey and there to join the national rail network.  It is a credit to the many dedicated railway enthusiasts and volunteers that we have been able to preserve this important part of our railway heritage.

Detail of Dagger Boards and a new coat of paint in the GWR livery.