Work in Progress: 10th April

 Nigel's on track today...

Dry, brighter and at times sunny weather for the volunteers this week. Its Easter School Holidays now and the Railway is open every day.

1. Continuing the fishplate greasing programme, the gang reach just below the car park to pause and stand back whilst ISAAC passes with the first train of the day.

2. ISAAC returning, passing Martyn Budd's tractor in the field. The tractor was used to transport the generator supplying electricity for the nut runners used to speed up the releasing and tightening of the fishplate nuts and bolts.

3. Good teamwork at each joint with Roger Bye, Mike Corner, Dave Bloomfield and Jim McFarlane.

4. Martin Williams was acting as a lookout on this first section of the railway near Woody Bay.

5. A fine view of ISAAC with the heritage carriages from the lineside.

6. In the shed Jim Pounds is painting Coach 1, ...

7. ...Dick Gunn is adjusting the precision-fit of the lever-frame levers and locking mechanism, ...

8. ...Nigel Spencer paints a top coat of black onto PILTON's new side panels, ...

9. ... whilst Dave Evans prepares to fit the door frames.

10. ISAAC's Fireman (left) is Andy Foster, with Driver Pete Williams awaiting the 13:30 departure. Nigel Thompson was privileged to enjoy a footplate ride on this service ...

11. Cab view of the track gang standing back near Bridge 67.

12. At Killington Lane during the run-round, the locomotive attracts plenty of interest from visitors, with much photography from phones, I-pads and cameras in evidence.

13. ISAAC at Killington Lane as the visitors begin to re-board the train.

14. All clear ahead - the driver's view from the cab.

15. Approaching the track gang.

16. The gang at the lineside as we pass them.

17. Unusual cab window view as we arrive at Woody Bay Station.

18. Back with the gang  now progressing well along the line.

19. ISAAC on Bridge 67.

20. The gang complete the joints past Bridge 67.

21. Limit of work today was the occupation crossing - almost half way along the line.

22. Another view of ISAAC from the lineside.

23. With the sun out now, this is ISAAC just below the car park,with the last train of the day; 16:00.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson