Work in Progress: 23rd June

Devon, glorious Devon!

This weeks report was compiled by Graham Bendell who regularly travels from Dorset to be a part of the Thursday Gang

A bright day saw several routine tasks tackled on the line and around the stations. These included spot re-sleepering, ash moving, fence treatment and painting, whilst, in the shed, a vital component was fitted to PILTON. Two coach loads of passengers from Shearings, plus a steady throughput of visitors, kept the shop and tea room busy.

1. ISAAC on the first train of the day, passes the sidings on the approach to Woody Bay Station. Note the ash path being topped up between the sidings.

2. A milestone is reached in the rebuild of PILTON as John Uphill fits the drive shaft and coupling.

3. meanwhile, Jim Pounds prepares the paintwork on PILTON prior to applying a dark grey undercoat.

4. Outside, Roger Bye assures Mike Corner that he is qualified to drive a wheelbarrow, as Nigel Thompson loads up for another run to the sidings.

5. Don Newnham and Trevor Buck checking the points near the coal stage for any potential obstructions, watched by GM Martyn Budd and Fred the dog.

6. Dave Bloomfield - taking advantage of the weather - repairs a lead.

7. Nigel Thompson on the return run from the sidings to the shed area.

8. ISAAC again. Four carriages were in use today to cope with the coach parties.

9. Guard, Jim Price, attaches the tail lamp, ready for the next departure.

10. Driver, Doug Mills, and Fireman, John Barrowdale, service ISAAC between trips.

11. Assistant Guard, Dave Evans, helps Trevor and Don to decide what to grease and oil next!

12. Malcolm Tong, an L&B Trust Member holidaying at Moorlands, paints the lamp column at Killington Lane. Malcolm has worked on alternate days of his holiday. (This was the only green paint applied today as Nigel Spencer was elsewhere today!)

13. The sleeper changing gang pause for the passage of the train.

14. This original L&BR rail (once part of a barn) has been kindly donated to the railway by Stowford Farm Meadows Camping and Caravan Site, Combe Martin.

15. Cross section of the 42lb rail. Looks to be in pretty good nick after 80 years.

16. The well attended tea break was, as always, much appreciated.

One of those days when steady progress was maintained in pleasant weather conditions – always a bonus at Woody Bay!

Words and photos by Graham Bendell