Network Rail has restored an iconic structure that was used by world famous railway model maker Hornby as the basis for one of its construction kits.
The station footbridge in the Worcestershire village of Hagley is Grade 2 listed and was built in 1884 by the Great Western Railway, 32 years after the station opened on Saturday 1 May 1852.
The last time the footbridge was painted, a blue and white colour scheme was chosen but after talking to the Railway Heritage Trust, Network Rail has restored it to what is known as GWR ‘light and dark stone’.
While the contractors were on site, the station buildings were also completely repainted at the request of train operator London Midland as was the platform canopy.
The overall cost of the work was almost £50,000.
Simon Kohler at Hornby said:
“We at Hornby are absolutely thrilled to see the Hagley footbridge restored to its former glory.
“As a model it was one of our star items and with the actual footbridge being restored, perhaps it is time that a suitable model once more became part of the Hornby range.”
