November Winter Working Weekend Report by Pete & Julia Snashall:

Pete & Julia Snashall have sent us this bumper selection of photos of the weekend's activities:

1. Our steam hauled works train stands in the Down platform.

2. The last of the bottom-ballast is unloaded from the DZ wagon.

3. The ballast is compacted using a "wacker" whilst the levels receive a final check.

4. The ballast bed ready for the next stage...

5. The new sleepers are laid on the ballast.

6. All nicely laid out.

7. Here come the rails...

8. ... quickly followed by the fixings.

9. The final closure rails are measured...

10. ...cut, and drilled prior to being dropped into place.

11. Fish plates are fitted.

12. A test train is run into the platform to check that all is good before top-ballasting commences.

13. A few final "tweaks".

14. 15. & 16. The new South African ballast hopper wagon is put to good use.

17. & 18. The ballast train reloading at Killington Lane.

19. The first train over the completed track.

20. & 21. Spot on!

22. The sleeper gang in action.

23. Lunch time, and a welcome break from the wind and rain.

24. How big!?

25. The Grotto begins to take shape.

26. 27. & 28. All is ready for Santa.

29. Santa has arrived!

Further Working Weekend dates for your diary

• 29 – 31 January
• 25 – 28 March

Pete & Julia Snashall