History
The Wolverton Works was developed by Robert Stephenson in 1838 after having great success in Manchester and Liverpool.
In the Victorian era, Wolverton and as the surrounding towns of Stony Stratford and Newport Pagnell were vastly populated to house workers for the train works.
The trams were also hauled by steam locomotives: the tram cars were certainly the largest ever in the UK and possibly the world. In modern times Wolverton railway works remains notable as the home of the British Royal Train but otherwise is very much reduced from its heyday.
As of 2013, the facility is much reduced: a full-scale train maintenance, repairs and refurbishment works is operated at the western end of the site, the central area is derelict but slated for redevelopment, the eastern end is a Tesco store with canal-side housing development at the extreme eastern end.
After Railcare went into receivership in September 2013 Knorr-Bremse took over the site as the current owners.
(Sourced largely from wikipeadia)
The Explore
Explored with Southside Assassin. I have been looking at exploring the Wolverton Works for some time now, but sketchy access routes, deadly, collapsing ceilings and sinking and treacherous floorboards have since prevented me from doing so. Anyway, Southside Assassin with his experience in this site convinced me that it was still safe and possible to do so.
So, it appears that access routes are getting harder and harder – as security get wiser to explorers and vandals entering. Once inside, treading carefully was the name of the game as many unstable paths lead ahead. Much of this site is made from wood and as a result has deteriorated rapidly over time. Massive sections of the roof are caving in at an alarming rate and smashing through the already swollen floorboards making certain areas almost inaccessible.
Despite the uncomfortable environment this site provided, it more than made up for visually and proved to be an absolute diamond in the rough, ranking as one of my top explores. There are many sites to be behold here; including old tools and machinery, old railway signs and some great aerial opportunities.
As we neared the end of our explore Southside Assassin swore he heard voices coming from the next room, which I initially disbelieved. After a few more minutes we heard what sounded like a security radio, so we hid in the darkness and waited for the intruders to pass. After a peep around the nearest corner it appeared that 4 local lads had entered the site and decided they wanted to check out the Wolverton Works. They were neither explorers nor vandals, just had a bit to drink and were curious of what was inside – They were really nice guys mind, but after climbing a staircase and watching it collapse underneath them, they soon realised that this place is no joke and thoroughly unforgiving, especially if you are intoxicated. We all left together in the end. They even gave us a free ride in a speed boat.
I must once again thank Southside Assassin for all the help and advice in cracking this tough nut.
Pictures
Thank you all for reading my report, I hoped you liked.
The Lone Shadow
The Wolverton Works was developed by Robert Stephenson in 1838 after having great success in Manchester and Liverpool.
In the Victorian era, Wolverton and as the surrounding towns of Stony Stratford and Newport Pagnell were vastly populated to house workers for the train works.
The trams were also hauled by steam locomotives: the tram cars were certainly the largest ever in the UK and possibly the world. In modern times Wolverton railway works remains notable as the home of the British Royal Train but otherwise is very much reduced from its heyday.
As of 2013, the facility is much reduced: a full-scale train maintenance, repairs and refurbishment works is operated at the western end of the site, the central area is derelict but slated for redevelopment, the eastern end is a Tesco store with canal-side housing development at the extreme eastern end.
After Railcare went into receivership in September 2013 Knorr-Bremse took over the site as the current owners.
(Sourced largely from wikipeadia)
The Explore
Explored with Southside Assassin. I have been looking at exploring the Wolverton Works for some time now, but sketchy access routes, deadly, collapsing ceilings and sinking and treacherous floorboards have since prevented me from doing so. Anyway, Southside Assassin with his experience in this site convinced me that it was still safe and possible to do so.
So, it appears that access routes are getting harder and harder – as security get wiser to explorers and vandals entering. Once inside, treading carefully was the name of the game as many unstable paths lead ahead. Much of this site is made from wood and as a result has deteriorated rapidly over time. Massive sections of the roof are caving in at an alarming rate and smashing through the already swollen floorboards making certain areas almost inaccessible.
Despite the uncomfortable environment this site provided, it more than made up for visually and proved to be an absolute diamond in the rough, ranking as one of my top explores. There are many sites to be behold here; including old tools and machinery, old railway signs and some great aerial opportunities.
As we neared the end of our explore Southside Assassin swore he heard voices coming from the next room, which I initially disbelieved. After a few more minutes we heard what sounded like a security radio, so we hid in the darkness and waited for the intruders to pass. After a peep around the nearest corner it appeared that 4 local lads had entered the site and decided they wanted to check out the Wolverton Works. They were neither explorers nor vandals, just had a bit to drink and were curious of what was inside – They were really nice guys mind, but after climbing a staircase and watching it collapse underneath them, they soon realised that this place is no joke and thoroughly unforgiving, especially if you are intoxicated. We all left together in the end. They even gave us a free ride in a speed boat.
I must once again thank Southside Assassin for all the help and advice in cracking this tough nut.
Pictures
Thank you all for reading my report, I hoped you liked.
The Lone Shadow
wonder how far the guys got. nutters.
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