Washroom Refurbishment-Aviemore Shed

When Stanier Black 5 5025 rolled out of three road some time ago the decision was taken to renew the door that she passed through. It was not a good advertisement for the railway as it was in very poor condition. Never let it be said that we skimp on the work ethic in the engine shed – we improved all four doors.

There was a requirement to sort out the wastewater issues using the septic tank attached to the large ugly container for toilet discharge and grey water. That definitely needed sorting, and someone suggested that the washroom was inC (small letters), so as we had some time between the restoration of Austerity No 9 need of some TL and it was winter, a plan was put in place, drawings were made, costings accounted for and material ordered.

To say this task was taken on with fervour could not be further from the truth, but once we realised that smashing down old walls and ripping out old pipes was fun, it all started to come together.

The container, which “contains” toilet and shower facilities, was pushed into use as a store for anything that had previously been kept in cupboards. Lockers were moved (many times!), and door frames were manufactured where doors did not exist before – they were just openings. Lintels were used that had previously been part of the old wall. Without going into details, the toilet bowl, cistern, and walls have now found a new home in the foundation of the new running shed, all broken up into manageable sizes.

A waterproof membrane was attached to the exterior walls and to the frame required for the new ceiling. Frames were made and fixed to the walls, and insulation was secured into each cavity. Sterling board finished the rough walls, and primer, undercoat, and gloss paint were applied—in white, of course, to brighten up the new facilities. To add some colour quality, the door frames and skirting boards—yes, skirting boards—were given a bright Edinburgh Madder finish.

Two new sinks were acquired (the most difficult things to get!), a new hot water tank, lots of plumbing and fittings, a large (and very effective) heater, and a hand dryer. We still retain the blue paper towel roll if people want to use that, but the hand dryer is quick and effective. A motion sensor has been installed to the lighting circuit, which saves electricity but will be much appreciated in the dark days of winter!

The unit holding the soap dispensers was modified and attached to the wall above the sinks along with a mirror, BR of course – the one that used to be in the old cludgie!

The windows were cleaned of paint to allow some natural light into the room. Signage required for fire exits was put in place. If necessary, secondary glazing might be added to the windows.

The artisans included Alan French, Nick Thompson, Brian Warrender, David Griffiths, Martin Chudleigh, Nick Winter and your author. Apologies to anyone else I’ve missed.

- Roddie McRae.