Work in Progress: 16th August

Always busy!

This week we'll start with the essential trackwork required to keep the L&BR in tip-top condition for the daily trains that run up and down the line all summer.

1. A vision in orange! After lunch the track gang prepare to board their train for their Killington Lane worksite.

2. Caught in the act! Dave Hallett has already found his seat in the Guards Compartment and is busy reading the Railway Magazine.

3. Nigel Spencer in action with more cleaning and painting of the railings fencing by the Moorlands Hotel gate.

4. Dave Pratt and Graham Rust cut up more wood offcuts for steam locomotive firelighting.

5. The project to install new safety rails around the pit begins as electrical Daves Drayson and Bloomfield lay out all the joiners and various pieces needed to commence fixing the poles around the pit.

6. Where's Jim? Paint Shop Boys Barrie Cann and Geoff Long work on the Brake Van. (Jim may have been talking elsewhere!)

7. This ex LSWR twin Seat has been donated by Mike Green from Plymouth.... Restored by Ted Lawrence of Plymouth.... and delivered by Julian and Lindsay Palmer also from Plymouth!

8. In the Ticket Office Shop, your reporter Nigel Thompson was assisting with improving the displays of some stock items.

9. The SR Target and totems station signs fridge magnets are always a good seller. The range includes L&BR and also Ilfracombe Branch stations. A new display fitted today should help to highlight these items leading to increased sales.

10. & 11. Two fine views of LYN and heritage train arriving at Woody Bay this August afternoon.

12. PILTON the big diesel stabled in the loading dock as many visitors alight after their train ride.

13. Bob Ayres is today's Guard.

14. Volunteers take a tea and cake break in the station courtyard as the miniature railway train passes.

Words, and photos Nigel Thompson.

Chris Shields has belatedly sent us these three photos taken at Killington Lane on Thursday

15. Dave Hallett on the Kango hammer in the run-round loop at Killington Lane with track jacks in evidence and Steve watching.

16. Ali, Mel, Nick and Steve stand aside as LYN arrives with the train.

17. Nick on the Kango hammer. This time Steve and Mel watch!

Words and photos Chris Shields.