A roof, especially from the leaking kind, is always a nightmare of the owner of a large historical building. In our case, when we speak about acres of roofs of industrial objects, its structural integrity is a matter of survival for the exhibits underneath.

We are aware that there are multiple challenges ahead of us: rusting rolling stock, falling apart plumbing and poor condition of the tracks. Still, with rain water leaking through the holes one cannot go far – refurbished cars will soon get damaged by the seepage, so goes with any repaired plumbing or electricity installation. Not to mention losing the willingness to do any track works where all around you can feel the stench of a damp. Therefore, roofs are our main challenge now.

Thankfully, the roof repairs in engine shed are quite advanced. Last year was very successful in this matter – we managed to receive a funding for the repairs of major part of the roundhouse roof and the first part of skylight, thanks to which our most valuable exhibits (especially the battery motor unit Wittfeld and renovated class Ol49-4) are now fully secured against the elements.

Unfortunately, after one golden year there is one thin. We did not managed to repeat the previous year’s success. We managed to receive a support of 14 500 PLN from City of Skierniewice for the renovation of our tracks. Still to complete the works, a total of 4 000 PLN own assets is required – a meagre percent of the assets we had last year.

Despite the financial shortage, we still want to continue the repairs of the roofs to really say that we finished this stage. We are not far from our goal (it’s only 136 m² on the main roundhouse). This made us to decide to continue on our own the repairs, even without the external subsidies. Still our main source of money for repairs is the 1% of income tax – that’s why you support is invaluable. As long as we are focused on upkeep of the buildings, we have to postpone our dreams of a running steam engine.

Once again we ask you to support us with your 1% of income tax. Each 1 złoty brings us closer to finishing the building renovation and, in long run, to the moment when live steam engine leaves the gates of our Shed.