Work in Progress: 24th October

posted by Nigel Thompson on Fri, 26/10/2012 - 23:18

In the past few weeks the small informal "Friends of Chelfham Station" group have continued to look after the L&BR's second station. General garden maintenance and trackbed tree clearance are always ongoing, and tidying up of the site helps to restore the tranquil atmosphere of this attractive station.

As part of the station's restoration, the down platform foundations were excavated and revealed earlier this year. The current brick appeal should provide the extra bricks needed to complete relaying the platform edge. There is also the prospect in the near future of removing the extension that was built over the original platform after the line closed.

1. During October John Edmonds began removal of the plasterboard walls in the cupboard of the extension revealing the original stonework at the Bratton Fleming end of the station building.

2. Later John removed more sections as well as the wooden battens. With the stonework brushed clean the remains of brackets used to hold the chimney pipe to what was the outside wall can now be seen.

3. This is a view of the cleared trackbed north of Valley Cottage. The piles of cut down branches await their fate in the future winter bonfires.

4. Nigel Thompson on the cleared trackbed with a slice of rhododendron.

5. Former L&B Operations Director Tony Hill helped out today with his chain-saw. Tony stands on the trackbed by the original fence end-post and retaining wall.

6. These slices of a large rhododendron where cut down from the edge of the trackbed. Counting the rings we reached over 60 visible. This means that the tree probably started growing here shortly after the railway closed as the trackbed 'slept' during its return to nature.

7. At Chelfham Station, Dave Drayson reduces and levels the laurel hedge.

8. The hedge looks very smart after this years trimming.

9. The two 'Docklands Light Railway' works bogies were temporarily moved onto a jubilee turnout so that small trees could be removed.

10. The bogies now rest on this track section. With non-standard brakes and couplings, these bogies and their matching flat wagon body (stored elsewhere) are unsuitable for use by works trains when the railway is extended..

11. As it was a clear and mild day; lunch and tea breaks were taken outside.

12. Although there were no visitors recorded at Chelfham today, those who do make the trip can view the display boards containing photographs of the station, both in history and in preservation. Chelfham Station will usually be open to L&BR Trust members, and others interested in the site, every Sunday throughout this autumn and winter. Follow the signs from under the viaduct for limited parking at the station.