A WELCOME breakthrough at the Railway Museum? (EA May 6). I don't think so!

It is not 'full steam ahead.' Although there are some good points in the listed 'Plan of Action,' sorting out the car parking costs etc, the main ingredient is still missing!

I know people who think like me are considered a pain in the backside but until steam is introduced to Steam you will never achieve higher visitor figures.

Andrew Lovett, the former manager, hit the nail on the head when in a recent interview on the same subject he said that the original plan included a working steam rail line and it was not implemented. A golden opportunity missed.

Whoever the idiots were who agreed on the destruction of the weigh table by turning it into a brewery, are among those responsible for the failure to attract visitors. It would have made an ideal running shed in one end to maintain and store a small locomotive or two, with a track leading to and from on railway land, in a railway environment.

I know it will cost, but a length of working track is essential. Why not get an experienced volunteer to carry out a feasibility study for a track on site?

Don't pay the earth for consultants, use someone who has done it and overcome the problems.

The last item on the plan of action contains "money should be invested to introduce new activities!" Don't talk about it. Do it.

One of the other items states landscaping an area. People visit a Railway Museum to see railway operations and artefacts. If they want landscaping, flowers and plants they can visit Queens Park or the Town Gardens.

Use the plaza to run a length of rail track with a working steam loco. Think big. What about broadening horizons. Why not discuss a joint venture with Swindon/Cricklade Railway? A joint ticket to visit the museum and then see steam in action until the museum gets its own track.

Combine the Outlet Village television advertising to mention the Railway Museum. Get coach operators to include village and museum in their brochures and leaflets.

More signs are required, for example under the 'Castle' locomotive to explain things.

There has been great controversy recently on mainline trains going through red light signals. Highlight and explain the ATC gear fitting in the cab of the King and emphasise the Great Western had this installed 80 years ago.

KEN GIBBS

Swindon