Work in Progress: 22nd August

Peak summer season Bank Holiday weekend approaching!

1. This week we'll begin with a view of the 'other railway' at Woody Bay. Claire Jeans prepares locomotive LITTLE OLLIE ready for another day of action on the miniature railway.

2. The miniature railway runs as required for just £1 each. Many visitors - especially those with small children - enjoy this added attraction.

3. Even this little line needs regular maintenance. Alistair Hall, (who built most of the miniature railway) is here using a strimmer to reduce the grass on the banks alongside the Railway.

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4. & 5. A couple of views as LYN arrives at Woody Bay Station.

6. A busy platform as visitors alight about after their train ride.

Thursday Gang Work!

7. Graham Rust and Dave Pratt after they had another session of cutting wood for the locomotive fire-lighting.

8. Pete Smith, Tim Woods and Chris Shields pose by new Carriage No.5 as they wander back to the mess room after their task of cutting back undergrowth behind and along the sides of the shed.

9. The new carriage over the pit in the shed. Our engineers are busy getting this the newest restored/rebuilt heritage carriage ready to enter service.

10. The Paint Shop Boys now have a new project - a clean up, repaint and numbering of this South African DZ open wagon used to move coal from the car park. It is anticipated that this vacuum braked wagon will feature in the Autumn Gala as part of a mixed train. As an example of the type of train that once ran on the old L&B.

11. Regular Paint Shop Boy, Barrie Cann returned to work today after extensive medical attention. Everyone on the gang wishes Barrie all the best for his future treatment and look forward to seeing more quality results on the rolling stock from all the Paint Shop Boys.

12. Guard Bob Ayres in charge today as usual on a Thursday with.....

13. .... LYN's footplate crew today was newly qualified Driver Dave Hallett, and Fireman Tom Woods.

Meanwhile at Chelfham on Wednesday....

14. ..... there was further progress with the signal cabin restoration. Dave Evans (left) and Peter Holland were busy installing the rear doors to the cabin. As at Woody Bay, these rear doors allow access to the locking mechanism of the lever frame. Recently Peter has also replaced both of the outer sides of the original cabin. Next is the full length front doors.

15. Back at Woody Bay, with General manager Martyn Budd on holiday this week, there was a list of tasks left for the gang to complete, including more tidying and cutting back of the overgrowth down at Killington Lane. At lunchtime the GM's usual mess-room chair was left vacant until Dave Peach decided to sit there and browse this donated book : "I Tried to Run a Railway"!

Members of the ‘ Thursday Gang’ were saddened to hear on Thursday 22nd August of the death of regular Thursday Gang Member Kevin Williams. I am sure that all with join with me in offering our condolences to Kevin’s family at this sad time.

More details will be posted when known.

Words and photos by Nigel Thompson