London Paddington

Britain Rail

London Paddington

London Paddington

The oldest canopy is that on the far right, of right-angled triangle design, which dates back to the Broad

Gauge era. The pleasing ''V'' shaped canopies date from the modifications between 1930 and 1934. This

view from 22nd October 2004 shows the substantial Eastbourne Terrace station offices, which dwarf the

trainshed. On the left is power car No. 43140 and on the right is No. 43042. David Glasspool

London Paddington

The fourth span is a rather sad story. It was completed in 1916 as part of the station's expansion and

provides cover for platforms 9 to 12. Built in sympathy with the three spans of 1854, it is also the

largest of the foursome in both width and height, but matching in length. The frame was built entirely

of steel and it shares the columns of the adjacent Brunel span. These columns were originally wrought

iron and frescoed by Wyatt, but these were then replaced by steel equivalents when the fourth span

went up. After 1992, the 1916 span remained the last part of the station which required attention,

British Rail having completed the rest. When work was underway, the ownership of the station passed

to 1994-formed Railtrack. This company then halted the restoration effort in 1999 and out of the blue,

submitted a request for the listed structure's demolition. For a number of years afterwards, the inside

of the span remained in darkness, covered in tarpaulin and scaffolding awaiting the decision on its fate.

Unfortunately, in July 2003, permission was granted for redevelopment, now under the ''Network Rail''

umbrella. However, these plans were thwarted by much opposition and the fourth span will, thankfully,

remain. It is viewed on 24th January 2004. David Glasspool

London Paddington

The ''Heathrow Express Railway Act'' of 1991 laid the foundations of a dedicated train service between

the world's busiest airport and Paddington. This was then followed in 1995 by the commencement of

major works at Paddington to accommodate the proposed electric multiple units. The most obvious has

been the installation of overhead catenary, which now gives the station approaches a somewhat cluttered

appearance. The Paddington to Heathrow service began on 23rd June 1998 and the GWR terminus received

its first electric multiple units in the form of Class 332s. Nos. 332003 and 332010 are seen on the left and

right respectively on 22nd October 2004. Note the façade pattern differences between the 1916 trainshed

span and that of 1854, the latter of which has been decorated by Wyatt. David Glasspool

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