Working Weekend: Sunday 30 January

posted by Nigel Thompson on Mon, 31/01/2011 - 10:30

A very successful working weekend concluded today with the volunteers relocating to Killington Lane Station after completing the drainage, fencing, and trackbed clearance at Cricket Field Lane ahead of schedule.

The programme of works today was to begin the rail renewals through the station. Longer rails recovered from last Novembers' work on the curve near Bridge 67, and moved down the line to Killington Lane by the recent Thursday group work parties, will replace the only remaining short (15 foot) lengths originally laid here 5 years ago in January 2006 (indeed by many of the gang present here today!).

1. The gang move a longer rail into the plates near the platform at Killington Lane.

2. General Manager, Martyn Budd (left) and Sam, the dog, direct the proceedings as rails are changed.

3. About to renewal the rail here where many different locomotives (including LYD ) have stood prior to departure from Killington Lane Station.

4. The Weltrol (well wagon), not required today in the works train, became a useful bench and platform for the volunteers at the morning tea break.

5. Close up of todays track gang including many from the Isle of Wight Group and a few others from a distance, alongside some of the more locally based volunteers.

6. Martyn discusses the next stage of the plan to the group whilst the dogs await more stones to be thrown to chase.

7. The gang are required to heave on the bars to slew the track into a smoother curve as the line runs into the station.

8. Slewing the track on the platform line at Killington Lane Station.

9. The works train with Hunslet Diesel HEDDON HALL, Box Vans 61 & 64 and Brake Van No.60 provided all the tools and transport today.

10. It was a sunny but very cold day although the wind was slight as the work continued.

11. Killington Lane as the rail renewals are about to pass the Halt shelter.

12. Stuart Duddy and Rob Taylor work ahead of the gang undoing the old rails.

13. Head on view along the track as the renewals progress.

14. Julia Snashall films members of the gang at work on the track.

15. The afternoon tea break takes place at 3pm as everyone enjoys a hot drink.

16. More chat amongst the volunteers during the break.

17. The Weltrol wagon in use again as a bench for the tea break.

18. Julia Snashall provided tea using a generator-kettle-tea urn from the back of the car.

Thanks also to Judy Williams who provided refreshments of soup, rolls, pasta, and cakes for everyone back at Woody Bay during the lunch break.

19. With the work complete today, the volunteers cram into the Brake Van for the ride back up to Woody Bay.

Thanks of course to everyone who attended over the whole enjoyable weekend at Woody Bay, Killington Lane and Cricket Field Lane. If you want to join us, further weekend work parties will be held later this winter/spring - dates to follow, on the website.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson.