Work in Progress: 24th March

Thursday gang and preparations for Easter Fun Day.

Nigel’s back but he has been moonlighting elsewhere!

1.& 2. More work on the tablet machines as the now standard-size fabricated tablet holder cylinder is refitted inside the box. Don Newnham props up Machine 1 whilst Trevor Buck secures the new cylinder inside.

3. Wet weather today for AXE and the three-carriage train approaching Woody Bay.

4. AXE at Woody Bay. Fireman Dave Carter about to uncouple, whilst driver Pete Williams looks on.

5. AXE and today's train at Woody Bay.

6. Guard Bob Ayres with Trainee Guard Andy Embling.

7. In the shed, Jim Pounds details the white paint around a THIRD label on one of the doors of Carriage No.7 .

8. Baguley Diesel PILTON, with its new rear bonnet/hood recently fabricated by the engineering team.

9. A quiet moment in the shop with Tony Cross and new volunteer Robert Baker looking at the latest new book, “A Narrow Gauge Album of Watercolours" by Eric Leslie, £10.95 available online… More details HERE

10.11. & 12. Meanwhile, the Thursday gang were tasked with some marquee tent erection for Easter Sunday’s Fun Day by the station building ...

13. ... and also a station canopy over the platform of the miniature railway which will be working this weekend.

14. & 15. The gang look on whilst General Manager Martyn Budd secures several ratchet straps over this tent to prevent damage in the windy conditions forecast over the weekend.

16. Finally, another view of AXE departing Woody Bay today.

Your reporter Nigel Thompson ‘enjoyed’ a weekend away, volunteering with the Permanent Way Dept. on the Mid Hants Railway.

17. Nigel assisted with a fencing project near Alton as well as…

18. ….a track inspection walk (Ropley-Alresford) checking the tightness of fishplate bolts after their recent oiling.

Taking the opportunity to photograph trains from the lineside.

19. The gang relax as 9F 92212 passes with an Alresford-Alton service.

20. SR 4-4-0 Schools Class 925 ‘CHELTENHAM’ with a down train.

Words and photos by Nigel Thompson