Work in Progress: 22nd March

Last week, planning permission was granted for a "permanent" marquee to be erected for the whole of the season at Woody Bay. Martyn Budd and the team at Woody Bay prepared the groundworks and drainage using the excavator, with a hired-in dumper to move surplus earth across to the woodland. This week, a crushed limestone surface was laid, leveled and rolled smooth.

With this weekend's new volunteer recruitment and local residents day looming, it was up to the Thursday gang of volunteers to erect the marquee in the new location, giving more space for the tea rooms alongside the station building.

1. The new marquee area is behind the signal cabins, approximately on the site of early temporary toilets (2002-2008). Todd the dog ambles by the newly-laid limestone surface.

2. The gang begin to lay out the frames of the marquee roof.

3. The roof is on as the marquee takes shape. (This is actually the one used last year but will soon be replaced with a less obtrusive version to meet the planning conditions)

4. The completed marquee, with tables ready for this weekend's visitors.

5. Seen from the platform the new position of the marquee, behind the running-in board and signal cabins. This area is soon to be "decorated" so as to disguise its newness.

6. Jim McFarlane tidies up around some small trees replanted on the down platform.

7. The surplus earth is now in the woodlands after Martyn in the excavator created a sloping path as part of the woodland walks plans.

8. Another project underway this week is the casting of concrete point rodding horses. These concrete bases are set into the ground to fix cranks and pulleys onto. The Swanage Railway has kindly lent the L&B their casting block so we have the opportunity to cast some for our future use. Graham Varney vibrates the concrete in this casting.

9. Earlier in the week the first casting produced one (right) as Graham checks the holes in the second casting done today.

10. Jim Price has reassembled the platform seat and it is now ready for more  green undercoat.

11. SID has been specially cleaned and prepared for this weekends trains.

12. Newly restored Hunslet diesel D6652 is nearly finished and is now being used for shunting around the station and shed.

13. D6652 poses for the camera in the sunshine at Woody Bay.

14. Another view of D6652. Just the air-braking, some lighting and cab control and fittings to complete its extensive restoration.

15. I know regular website viewers always like to see views of works train movements. HEDDON HALL with an afternoon works train taking the gang to Killington Lane to finish off the sign and fence work.

16. HEDDON HALL returns to Woody Bay with today's works train.