Platforms 1 at Horsted Keynes returned to active use
For the first time in over 100 years, Horsted Keynes Platform 1 has been returned to usable condition. Railway 200 will be taking advantage of this.
 
Left:Â The new platform 1 close to being in use for passenger trains. Photo: – Jon Goff.
Right:Â Platform 1 with the Railway 200 Inspiration carriages plus an S&T display in the L&SWR brake and the Hastings set in minus one road. Photo: – Bruce Healey.
This work has been carried out by the infrastructure team and contractor Mark Padgham and his team during the course of the year.
The platform edge, which had become unsafe was replaced and the platform wall substantially repaired. The roof needed a lot of work to replace rotten timbers and to sort out the gutters. Over the course of time, the canopy foundations have settled and the downpipes mostly did not coincide with the lowest point resulting in cascades of rain. The platform has been resurfaced and new running in boards made.
 
Left: Water crane drain having a new stone slab surround. Photo – Jon Goff.
Right: New lawn laid specifically for wedding photos etc. Photo – Jon Goff.
The north end of the old model railway room has had two brand new toilet cubicles constructed in a heritage style. One cubical is an all-new full modern standard disabled access toilet with a modern hygienic standard finish and the other is a unisex toilet which has been built in the heritage style along with the entrance vestibule to both toilets.
New wall installed separating off the new toilet with a new door leading into a new small vestibule with the doorways int the new cubicles. Photo: – Jon Goff.
The new unisex and disabled toilets nearly finished. Photos: – Jon Goff
The track for Platform 1 has been relaid as has the siding next to it (minus one road). A huge financial saving was the donation of 4000 tonnes of ballast from a HS2 temporary siding at West Ruislip only some of which was used here.
Minus one road will be extended when we recover more sleepers from track relaying later in the year. Further work will connect platform 1 to the Ardingly spur.
The foot crossings at either end of Platform 1 have also been relaid.
New foot crossing using strong and stable rubber Strails. Photo: – Jon Goff
