Beginning of the Volunteers Camp
Not without unforeseen difficulties, we managed to commence the series of volunteers camps. According to the requirements of the supporting institutions (the National Board of Heritage), we focused on the upkeep of the Shed’s surroundings. Therefore, there was hardly anyone working by the renovation of class Ty51-1 engine – most of the efforts were directed to fight the overgrowth and remove the traces of vandalism, which involved replacing the broken glass in windows and painting over the graffiti.
During the first stage of the camp (11th-15th August) participants directed their efforts to clean up and repaint the gates on the entry tracks from the side of the station. Due to the remoteness of this part of the shed from other buildings and frequent need to use power tools, we made a good use of the portable electric generator.
Another group of volunteers cleaned the area behind the roundhouse and then the coal storage, starting from track № 53. they had to simultaneously cut out the overgrowth and remove the remains of previous works in this area. In the past we had some problems with getting rid of the plant waste. This time wood was immediately crumbled into chips and disposed.
We also organised an open-for-all events. On 12th August a screening of documentary about Józef Piłsudski “17 days that decided of Poland” took place. The film was directed by Leszek Staroń. Some scenes of the documentary were shot in our Shed e.g. the interiors of army staff train was actually the passenger compartment of “Wittfeld” motor unit. After the screening, the participants had the opportunity to discuss the film with the director and his crew.
Except the obligatory work on the upkeep of the Shed, we used some spare moments to tend our exhibits – renovation of the block signal box frame on the signalling exhibition and repainting of the class Ty51-1.
The volunteers camp is supported by the National Heritage Board – Together for Heritage.