I READ with interest Robin Jones Viewport comments and Steam may be hit by fallout .

I fully agree with Robin Jones' comments with the exception of dubious item of interest like the Wall of Names. This commemorates people and is a good use for an otherwise blank wall lacking a view platform into the workshop. His other relevant statement about the need for a full size (4-8 1/2) working rail track could be enhanced by a third rail for broad gauge. Iron Duke exists at York Railway Museum and Fire Fly is almost completed at Didcot.

Swindon works was built as a broad gauge factory in 1843 so let's go the whole hog and get a potential facility for running both. Then the visitors will come.

I also agree with Steve Atkins. The view platform mentioned is too far away from the workshop and you cannot repair steam locomotives without adequate overhead cranes and inspection pits. There is nothing wrong with the area available but the workshop was ill conceived as it has neither of these facilities.

As a friend of the museum I am a regular visitor and it appears that machinery nearest the viewing platform has never been wired up. The lifting facilities for loco repairs where larger components are removed and re-fitted are in the long shop where I have never yet seen a visitor. Are they even allowed in? At Didcot there are workshop areas where visitors are allowed up to the locomotives.

KEN GIBBS

The Mall