Work in Progress: 17th September

While Regular Reporter Nigel is "Roving", Replacement Reporter Roger Reports:

1. ISAAC was the loco in steam today...

2, 3. ...with Andy firing, first for Martyn and then for Graham...

4. ...the stress of which required a brief doze!

5. While one group attended to drains blocked by recent downpours, others delivered equipment to Chelfham, then collected chairs from storage at Rowley Moor Farm. These were required for an event this weekend. Energetic chair cleaning was required to remove evidence of summer bird activity. The domestic capabilities of the team had obviously been well honed by practice at home!

6. Dave and Don were working on the tablet instruments. Dave is holding one of the new custom machined tablets.

7. Dave (another one!) was checking extension leads around the site

8. All of this effort was rewarded by a lunch break in the sun!

9. As well as Nigel, our resident fence painter...

10. ... a painting team from the Surrey Group were on site this week...

11. ...who, having undercoated the recently delivered drop side wagon...

12, 13, 14. ...were hard at work in the workshop, painting the ballast hopper wagon.

15. Meanwhile, Martin was cleaning the signal cabin prior to painting, ably assisted by bucket holder Bob (in between Guard duties!)

16. While Jim, was explaining to visitors the finer points of painting...

17. ...Martin painted...

18. ...as the last train of the day steamed into Woody Bay signalling the end of yet another Thursday.

Words and photos by Roger Bye