Work in Progress: 12th June

 The Thursday Gang are back - and there's a funny smell in the air...

The evocative aromas of steam operations wafting across a sun soaked Woody Bay today were joined today by another - wood preservative! 

1. Dave, Martin and Roger liberally dosed fences, gates and gate posts to protect the timber from the weather.

2. Grahams's back...

3. ...and here's his front, as he and others clear the drains around the station building, clogged during a downpour a few days previously.

4. Jim cleaned the historical posters around the station ably encouraged by Dave!

5. John fabricated and fitted the vacuum ejector exhaust piping on AXE ...

6. ...while Graham constructed a frame to support the weed killing spray system on a wagon.

7. There were plenty of passengers, today efficiently served by Tony in the shop ...

8. ...and by Judy & Irene, busy in the kitchen providing their excellent sustenance for the visitors (as well as staff and volunteers).

9. Don was out in the sunshine, cleaning and greasing the points.

10. Dave put the finishing touches to PILTON's electrics, while Jim repainted the buffer beams.

11. Lurking in the carpark is an ex-MoD munitions van - until recently stored by a local contractor - awaiting regauging (the replacement wheels can be seen at each end) and renovation of the roof and floor.

12. Meanwhile... ISAAC steamed to and fro under blue skies (again!!) - perhaps a perfect amalgam of a remarkable railway in an enchanting environment with contented customers - and thanks to the families for allowing their inclusion in the photo!;

Words and pictures by Roger Bye