Epping and Ongar Railway

The Beginning
In 1856 The Eastern Counties Railway (ECR), which later became part of the Great Eastern Railway (GER) opened a double track railway between Stratford and Loughton. A single-track extension between Loughton and Ongar was added in 1865. Increased usage on the line led to the building of double track between Loughton and Epping. At this point 50 trains operated between London and Loughton each day, with a further 22 continuing to Epping and 14 more to Ongar.

New Works Plan
The London Passenger Transport Board, later to become London Transport (LT) was established in 1933. Between 1935 and 1940 LT and mainline rail companies, with input from the government implemented their New Works Programme. This was a huge scheme, which aimed to, amongst other things, electrify main line track and work together to reduce costs to companies and provide an improved service. - At this point it should be noted that the government did not support the plans to electrify track. Under this scheme the Fairlop loop of the Central line was built.
During the Second World War (1939-45) extensions to the Central line were postponed and service between Ongar and London reduced to seven trains per day.

Post-War Years
In 1946 the Central line extension reached Leytonstone, and in 1947 progressed to Woodford. It finally reached Loughton in 1948. A steam shuttle service continued to run from Loughton to Ongar and a passing loop was put in at North Weald the following year to allow more trains to operate. Following nationalisation of the railways in 1948 individual assets of the main line rail companies and LT were transferred to the control of new executive bodies. The London Transport Executive (LTE) was the inheritor of the former LT assets and as the line from Leyton to Loughton was served by LT trains the track, stations and staff were transferred to them. Questions arose about what was to happen to the service between Loughton and Ongar. The government initially resisted the electrification of the line however, the arrival of new housing in the area allowed electrification of the track through to Epping. The Central line officially reached Epping in 1949. LTE also took control of the branch line to Ongar, and hired the steam shuttle from the Eastern regions railways.
Improving the Branch Line
During the 1950's attempts were made to improve the steam service between Epping and Ongar. It was eventually decided to give the line light electrification: this avoided the need for a sub station at Blake Hall. Modification was made to the rail and signals in 1957 allowing two 4-car trains or one 8-car trains to run on the branch line, however, in practice the short platform length made the use of the 8-car train unworkable. A twenty-minute passenger service was offered between Epping and Ongar, although freight service continued to run on steam.

Decline of the Line
Due to reduced passenger numbers Blake Hall station was closed on Sundays and a reduced weekday timetable implemented from 17th October 1966. In the same year Central line 1962 stock replaced the two 4-car trains on the branch line. Continued decline in passenger numbers led to the decommissioning of the passing loop and signal box at North Weald in 1976, and complete closure of Blake Hall station on 31st October 1981. A reduced service operated on the rest of the branch line. In 1989 an attempt was made to run an all-day service. It was unsuccessful and London Transport closed the loss-making section on 30th September 1994.
1994-2008
Shortly after 1994 a private company 'Pilot Developments' purchased the Epping to Ongar section of the line. Despite assurances that they would run a passenger service within five years of the purchase, no trains ran. In the early part of the new millenium The Epping Ongar Railway Volunteer Society (EORVS) was formed. Initially, this consisted of a small group of enthusiasts, volunteering their time to repair and preserve, damage and wear and tear, to the neglected buildings and track. Working alongside the owners the volunteer group gradually restored the line and station building at Ongar so that trains could run once again and provide a passenger service to North Weald. On 10th October 2004, almost ten years to the day since the line closed, the first EORVS train service left Ongar at 11am. EORVS operated five train services every Sunday until December 2008.
Recent Developments
A change in ownership occurred in 2009. It was decided to cease running trains and to concentrate on improving the track in preparation for reopening with Steam as well as Diesel units. Both Ongar and North Weald Stations have seen huge changes:

ONGAR
The previous Good Yards area (wasteland for many years) has been purchased by David Wilson Homes who have now built a small collection of houses. The Cattle Dock still remains, as does the main station building which has been repainted in GER colours (1900-1930's). On reopening Ongar will be the only operational GER station in GER colours!!
The milk dock is being restored into a bay platform, and just to the north of the old cattle dock will become Platform 1 and will host much improved refreshment and shop facilities in newly restored static coaches.
NORTH WEALD
North Weald is being repainted in LNER / BR (E) (1940's-1960's) colours.

The track height is being corrected for UK standard stock and is being re-laid through the loop as well as into the bay platform making 3 operational platforms at North Weald, which can all be used thanks to the signalling, allowing bi-directional working (trains can arrive / depart from any platform in either direction), as well access to improved siding facilities and enable safer shunting at both locations.

ALL of the essential infrastructure improvements (both track, signalling and rolling stock) will widen the variety and frequency of heritage operations, and is a key part as we work towards our central goal - to once again run trains to Epping; both to preserve our transport heritage and for the wider benefit of the local community in restoring this important link in our transport network.
Like all heritage railways, the Epping Ongar Railway could not operate without our friendly team of volunteers and helpers as well as the local businesses and groups that kindly assist.
Volunteers undertake all the jobs that are essential for the safe and smooth operation of the railway, both the jobs that might first come to mind, as well as many that may go unnoticed, but are never the less essential to making the trains run, whether it is...
Selling tickets
Helping passengers onto the train
Being part of our on-train teams - a guard, train driver, fireman or ticket inspector
Safely signalling trains
Helping out in the shops, refreshment facilities and museum display
Keeping our stations and coaches clean and tidy
Being a bus conductor on our vintage bus to Epping
Caring for and restoring our heritage rolling stock
Restoring and maintaining the stations and gardens
Keeping the track in good order
Managing the vegetation and environmental ecosystems along our beautiful line
Maintaining drains, bridges and structures
Working on keeping the steam and diesel locomotives running that haul the trains
With the huge variety of tasks, the railway can often be likened to a small town - and everyone is welcome and no matter how you choose to help, everyone plays an important part in ensuring the railway can operate trains and our visitors enjoy their visit. Please do not feel apprehensive - we all started from scratch!

HELP WANTED
Do you have memories of using the service between Epping and Ongar? Then the Epping and Ongar Railway are keen to hear from you.