Work in Progress 13 April

posted by Nigel Thompson on Fri, 15/04/2011 - 13:51

Although most of the weekly news reports feature the "Thursday Gang", we must not forget we are now open seven days a week and considerable useful effort is put in by volunteers on other days.

This week Nigel Thompson went along to Woody Bay on a Wednesday for a change to assist and report on the activities of those volunteers who help out as part of the 'Wednesday' Gang".

1. In the morning a shunt was required in the car park. Hunslet Diesel HEDDON HALL is seen with Wednesday regulars, Drivers Bill Flecknoe and Tony (Turbo) Cross.

2. The upturned ex-MoD flat wagon is now ready to have its brake rigging regauged and will become No.51. MOD flat No.52 has been in service for many years often as a runner to bogie flat 28321 particularly when long rails are transported. This year it is to be fitted out as the weedkilling wagon which will need to be operational soon. Flat is No.50 is used to carry the mobile 3 phase generator. There are also some other unnumbered flats awaiting regauging.

3. Back in the paint shop at the back of the shed Bill and Tony paint undercoat green on a platform seat whilst Martyn Budd paints top coat red on Coach No.1 which is nearing the end of its winter refurbishment.

4. Other rolling stock projects underway include the regauging and overhaul of the second ex MOD Hunslet diesel (as yet unnamed) which is now on its wheelsets and safely in the shed.

5. The Gardner 4LW engine has been cleaned and tested.

6. It was a busy day with the passenger train. Driver Eddie Mills and Fireman Pete Williams wait by AXE during a servicing period.

7. New young volunteer trainee cleaner/fireman, Daniel Dapling, restocks AXE's bunker from the coaling stage. This was Daniel's first day at Woody Bay after coming along to the recent new volunteers weekend.

8. Today's Guard was Martin Trott (left) who was assisted by another new volunteer, Bob Ayres (right) also on his first day.

9.In the booking office/shop today was Philip Shelton.

10. Irene Cross and Olinda Holden are seen in the kitchen in the middle of serving delicious lunches to the visitors in the tea rooms.