Work in Progress: 19th April

Sunny, warm and misty!

With the rest of the UK basking in decent spring weather at last, some Exmoor visitors may have been tempted to head for the coast. However as a cooler sea mist was prevailing there, perhaps it was nicer to seek out the quality inland attractions such as the L&BR at Woody Bay. We saw a good cross section of visitors come along to enjoy their day.

1. AXE approaches Woody Bay as seen from a newly repainted down platform bench seat.

2. AXE at Woody Bay.

3. Murray Dods is AXE's driver today. AXE has been in service for nearly 10 years and will soon be withdrawn for an overhaul. So, the opportunity to view and ride behind the L&BR Trust's own locomotive will be unavailable for a while.

4. A trio of Guards this Thursday - Bob Ayres, Jim Price and Geoff Loynes.

5. Nigel Spencer continues painting more benches inside the marquee tent.

6. Dave Bloomfield carries out the fortnightly check and clean of the defibrillator which is housed in the phone box.

7. Martyn Budd describes the finer points of SR and GWR concrete fence post design to ensure we select the correct ones (they are all heavy!) to load on to the trailer!

8. Graham explains how he is realigning a rail joint.

9. As the mist rolls in, Steve, Keith and Graham tackle post realignment and repair.

10. Nick, Tim and Kevin contemplate the next sleeper renewal task while in the background Dave packs ballast.

11-13 Misty conditions at Killington Lane.

14. AXE in action

Chelfham Station Wednesday 18th April

15. Chelfham Station building looking splendid in the sunshine.

16. Frank Daff poses by a restored platform barrow trucks formerly from Axminster. Restored down platform behind.

17. Nigel Thompson painting a repaired and refurbished SR bench seat ex Ilfracombe. The Chelfham 'shop' is open behind.

18. This is an ex Braunton platform trolley which was also recently restored at Chelfham.

Our thanks to Peter Holland who undertook the woodwork reprairs on these 3 projects - destined to be returned to Woody Bay sometime this year.

Words and photos 1-6, & 15-18, Nigel Thompson. 7-14 Roger Bye.