Work in Progress: 14th November

This weeks report comes courtesy of Graham Bendell as Nigel Thompson's computer is not behaving itself!

The first obstacle for several volunteers was to navigate around the A399 road closure. Having said that there was quite a strong turnout.

One group was tasked to go to Killington Lane with the works train where work continued on the relocation of the lever frame and a start made on extending the platform at the Woody Bay end so that 4 coach trains can be accommodated at next years Autumn Gala.

Good progress was made in quite difficult conditions, with a very strong gusting wind interspersed with light, but horizontal, rain. Although air temperatures were reasonable, wind chill meant that we had to dress for occasion!

Meanwhile, back at Woody Bay, Dave Bloomfield removed the electrics from Van 23 in preparation for its forthcoming trip to "Pilton East" (Great Yeldham) for the EAST group to work their magic on it so it can be returned to active service.

Later in the day Dave installed two light fittings in the extended paint shop and cleaned up some of the existing ones.

Jim Pounds continued work on the lever frame whilst Dave Evans and Jim Price worked around the station building painting and making signs. John Uphill was working on SID prior to its steaming and Dave Tooke spent the day on office work. (Thanks to Dave Bloomfield for this information). The only photos this week are from the activities associated with Killington Lane. I was unable to get to the shed.

1. Dick Gunn discusses the alignment of the steel angle support for the structure which will support the repositioned lever frame while Roger Bye and John Hayes look on. The rain was just starting, hence the spots on the lens. Shelter was either behind the train or in the station building - depending on where you were caught!

2. Dick Gunn, Martyn Budd, Roger Bye and Graham Varney discuss the new arrangements for the ground signal in the loop.

3. An appreciative audience look on. Fred the dog decides to have a go at show-jumping.

4. SID about to undergo a test run at the head of the works train all ready for the afternoon session.

5. From left to right - Nigel Thompson (in front of the lens for a change), Dick Gunn, Graham Varney, John Hayes and John Villers wait for SID to return light engine to Woody Bay before continuing with the days tasks.

6. The four steel angles await the next stage of the relocation of the ground frame.

7. The works train stands at Killington Lane platform.

8. Raising ground levels for the platform extension. The excavator came into play later.

9. Levelling the deposited material. At this point the ground level has been raised significantly to give a wider levelled surface. This material will be allowed to settle and finally made up with limestone. The sleepers make up the front of the platform - these will also need final alignment and packing.

10. The site as we packed up.  The platform extension and lever frame support can be seen. The results of a good days work not under the most comfortable of conditions.

Photos and text Graham Bendell