Work in Progress; 25th October

posted by Nigel Thompson on Fri, 26/10/2012 - 23:54

Thursday 25th October - Killington Lane

With the prospect of Heritage Carriage Nos.7 & 17 entering service at Woody Bay during 2013, attention must now be focused on passenger access to the larger carriages for our visitors. The platform width at Killington Lane was designed to accommodate the much narrower Thorpe Park Carriages so needs adjusting. The platform will also need to be extended to accommodate the much longer Heritage Carriages. Today the Thursday Gang began this task as part of their 'winter' work at Killington Lane.

1. A before-work view showing the new platform extension site after the fence and path had been removed.

2. Looking back towards Killington Lane Halt showing the extra height needed to raise the platform to track level.

3. The first job of the day with the hired dumper truck was to tip a layer of ballast alongside the track, as the first train of the day arrives at Killington Lane.

4. This ballast was then rolled into place with a hired roller/vibrator.

5. The ballast was topped with crushed limestone along the extended platform.

6. The dumper prepares to tip another load of limestone whilst HEDDON HALL arrives with another train from Woody Bay. Due to a problem with the air pump, all trains today were top-and-tailed, with AXE hauling the train up hill and HEDDON HALL leading on the braking downhill to Killington Lane.

7. As the mist descended and the scenic views disappeared, AXE is ready for departure back to Woody Bay.

8. Guard Richard Drewer will make sure everyone is back on board and the doors secure before departure.

9. Progress with the platform extension as layers of limestone are rolled smooth.

10. A misty view of the gang as they install a line of standard-gauge sleepers as the platform edge.

11. Another passenger train arrival with visitors awaiting their return service.

12. HEDDON HALL at one end of the passenger train at Killington Lane.

13. More stone begins to build up the level to be flush with the sleeper platform edge.

14. The roller smooths down this limestone along the extended platform.

Although we ran out of stone to complete the project today, the platform was made safe with a ramp onto the existing path. Another delivery of stone will be required to raise the final section to the required height.

Not forgetting other work underway at Woody Bay today, with Dave Bloomfield and new volunteer David Evans working on the roof of Box Van No.64 in the shed. Irene Cross and June & Martin Manfield providing the catering whilst Tony Cross was running the Booking Office/shop.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson