Steam locomotive outside Stratford station falling into ever worse shape
A steam train installed outside Stratford station is fallinginto ever worse condition in the recent past.
The locotmotive is approaching its centenery having been constructed in 1933. Until relatively recently “Robert” was in decent condtion.
However now its covered in tagging and graffiti and looking very sorry. Aside from the tags it looks all a bit rough in terms of metalwork and panelling.
Not a great welcome to Stratford given how visible it is beside one of the station’s main entrance and exit.
It’s amazing how so much money goes into places like Stratford and then basic maintenence just isn’t there.
History
The locomotive named Robery started life at Staveley Coal and Iron Limited’s Lamport Calcine Sidings in Northamptonshire.
It lived there from 1933 until 1969, before moving a short lived spell in London then Buckinghamshire.
It eventually ended up at Kew Bridge and then onto Beckton under the ownership of the London Docklands Development Corporation.
When that was wound up Newham Council took control and in 1999 it was moved to Stratford. During Olympic construction work it moved to Colchester before returning in 2011.
Jago Hazzard covered the history of Robert.
The locomotive being in poor condition is certainly nothing new though its current state leaves a lot to be desired.
It’s not doing much for impressions of Stratford upon seeing it when leaving the station.
Murky – this locomotive – standing for some time within spitting distance of a major locomotive factory – was built in the Midlands., Newham Council should be shamed into getting an exhibit which reflects its own workplaces. Of course they closed their own railway museum – I used to teach a WEA class on east London Industrial history there. Lets hear a bit more about local workers, and their achievements for a change,
Has the locomotive faced lots of issues including graffiti, weather, vandalism and disrepair.
Perhaps it should move to an area that isn’t so busy but in the same location. Or maybe move it to outside where Stratford International HS1 station is. Or if there is a museum nearby then it could move to a museum and to be well looked after.
I would recommend that “Robert” should be kept as it is. Or maybe move the poor locomotive to somewhere that isn’t neglected and is well looked after and for tourists and steam locomotive enthusiasts to come and see the locomotive. Such a shame that it looks like it’s in a sorry state and needs some TLC.