The interior of the new Gallery takes shape
For any readers who have been folloing the rapid progress of the Carriage Gallery’s construction on our Facebook page, you will know how remarkable progress has been since the last update here.
In short, the small loco shed is now structurally complete and weather-tight. The electricians have taken over and power will be installed very shortly
We are also investigating the idea to concrete and roof-over the convenient area between the new shed and the existing Maghera shed to provide useful garage area for small vehicles such as our newly acquired road/rail dumper.
Now for the big story: Our new Gallery has suddenly appeared! It is now structurally complete with cladding and roofing erected. The comment which is most common is “I didn’t realise it was going to be THAT big.”
Structural steel work being erected recently
Next week the Main Contractor will start the Gallery interior masonry work, and also prepare for the construction of the platforms of our “station” (the entrance is to be designed to resemble a city station with overall-roof. At that stage we as a Society have the responsibility to lay the track inside the Gallery, and also reconnect to the adjacent brown shed.
Accordingly we will assist the main contractor, who will provide plant and labour, with us giving direction and of course supply of the necessary materials.
Up to today, we are on time and within budget, which is the way we intend to continue.
The main contractor informs us that a finish and handover is scheduled for July 2011.