West Shed Workshop

Where Preservation Meets Craftsmanship

Alongside the public museum space lies WEST SHED Workshop — the beating heart of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust’s preservation work. This is where skilled engineers, apprentices, and dedicated volunteers carry out the meticulous restoration, overhaul, and maintenance of the Trust’s historic steam locomotives and carriages.

Rather than being a static archive, WEST SHED is an active engineering centre committed to keeping heritage steam locomotives operational, enabling them to haul trains on heritage lines and, in some cases, on the national main line network.

Restoring and Maintaining Locomotive Power

The workshop is continuously involved in projects of varying scale — from routine servicing to major mechanical overhauls. Work commonly undertaken includes:

• Complete boiler examinations
• Machining of new or replacement components
• Wheeldrop available for wheel set removal.
• Restoration of valves, motion, and cylinder assemblies
• Paint preparation and historically accurate livery application

Each locomotive is maintained to exceptionally high standards, balancing traditional skills with modern safety requirements.

Rolling Stock Conservation

The Trust also restores and conserves historic carriages and support rolling stock, including:

• Royal and VIP saloons
• Unique test rolling stock, such as the 1912 Dynamometer Car
• Passenger and support coaches used for excursions and main line operations

Work may involve structural timber replacement, upholstery, panelling, glazing, and the reconstruction of original interior features — always undertaken with great respect for historical accuracy.

A Skilled Team Working Together

The workshop is staffed by a combination of:

• Professional engineers with specialist heritage expertise
• Dedicated volunteers who contribute time, craft, and enthusiasm
• Trainees and students gaining experience in mechanical and heritage engineering

Many of the traditional skills required to maintain steam locomotives are rare today. The workshop plays a vital role in passing these skills to the next generation, ensuring that heritage engineering continues long into the future.

A Workshop You Can See in Action

One of the unique features of WEST SHED is the visible connection between the workshop and the museum. Visitors are able to watch work taking place from dedicated viewing areas, offering a rare insight into the precision, teamwork, and artistry involved in keeping steam locomotives running.

It is history being preserved in real time — every rivet driven, boiler stay fitted, and coupling rod polished is part of the ongoing story of British steam.

Heritage Engineering With Purpose

The Workshop exists for one core reason - to keep these remarkable locomotives alive, working, and inspiring people.

Every restoration, overhaul, and repaint reflects thousands of hours of craftsmanship — supported by grants, public donations, volunteer time, and Patron membership.

The engines are more than museum pieces:
They are living machines, carrying the sounds, movement, and atmosphere of Britain’s steam era into the future.