Work in Progress: 24 February

posted by Nigel Thompson on Fri, 25/02/2011 - 22:07

It is the school half-term break, and the L&B is open all week. Diesel trains operating with HEDDON HALL and 3 coaches. Loadings have been quite steady with some coach parties, visitors and some locals about, glad to actually find an attraction open!

1. The 14:15 train departs Woody Bay.

2. Diesel Driver today was Richard Willey (undergoing final training).

3. Driver Richard receives further instruction from Eddie Mills.

4. HEDDON HALL couples onto the train at Woody Bay.

5. Young volunteer Assistant Guard Toby Manfield pulls the levers whilst Guard Martin Andrews explains the signalling to interested visitors.

6. Inside, Tony Cross was in charge of the booking office and shop.

7. Catering Assistant, Irene Cross enjoys the warmth from the fireplace in the tea room.

8. Taking a brief break between customers, Irene and Catering Manager, Judy Williams, pose for the camera.

Meanwhile the volunteers of the Thursday Gang worked on a variety of projects at Woody Bay

9. The gang install the new SR green entrance sign. This sign (ex IoWR) has been modified to provide open/closed information on the various attractions such as shop, tea rooms, and miniature railway.

10. The new sign replaces one with images of steam locomotives SID and STATFOLD (which last worked here in 2008).

11. New local volunteer John O'Dell works on adaptations to the ex-MOD Brake Van...

12. ... while Dave Drayson scrapes off more old paint from the woodwork.

13. Richard Burgess working from the rear of the signal cabin on the wiring to the instrument panel which will show if the signals have reached their correct positions - particularly essential in the mist and fog typical of Woody Bay.