Work in Progress: 7th March

posted by Dave Bloomfield on Thu, 07/03/2013 - 20:01

Today at Woody Bay the weather started off with showers, but luckily (or not) it stopped as we were about to start. So General Manager Martyn Budd announced it would be a good idea to start fishplate greasing. "Whoopee!" we all shouted.

We protested that as Graham Bendell was away until next week and as he would be most disappointed not to be involved we should put it off until then - but all to no avail!

Anyway, we set off for Killington Lane with the works train to start greasing the main running line, working back to Woody Bay. This annual task as mentioned in the past involves undoing the four bolts on the fishplates on both rails, squirting grease into the gaps, and retightening them again.

This year we are lucky in having two air impact wrenches, a large air compressor and long hoses so we could work on two sets at a time, so speeding up the work. Martyn Budd followed up behind checking and adjusting the bolts. We completed almost half of the mile of track - nearly to Bridge 67. Graham will still have plenty to do when he gets back!

We do not need to obstruct the line so t he rest of the job can be completed whilst passenger trains are operating

We had sore knees, aching backs, and a covering of grease to show for it. Those romantics who love the sound of trains running over rail joints should have a go at this task - it might change their minds.

It's hard work, but important, worthwhile and very rewarding to be out in the fresh air with good company.

This week's track team were Martyn Budd; General Manager Graham Varney; diesel driver, John Heys, Michael Corner and me, Dave Bloomfield, plus Fred and Sam (Martyn's dogs) helping by moving the ballast about.

John O'dell and Jim Price were occupied working around the station, While Dave Tooke, Brom Bromidge and Keith Vingoe were on office duties.

As we left for home it started to rain. All in all, another good day at Woody Bay!