Work in Progress: 27th March

 When Nigel's away...

As regular reporter Nigel Thompson was away, Roger Bye has stepped in to provide this week's report:

Activity at Woody Bay today started with the preparation of Isaac for the day's trains.  As well as fire-lighting and raising steam Andy and Pete, the crew today, carried out some maintenance and cleaning jobs.  Bob, the guard for the day was busy cleaning and checking the carriages.

1. Andy and Pete working on Isaac

2. Pete polishing Isaac

3. Bob cleaning carriages

4. Isaac ready to depart

Our usual intrepid reporter, Nigel, was away today and one of his deputies, Graham was not in evidence, there being some rumour that he prefers to write about fish-plate greasing rather than do it!  Dave B. led the team including Jim M, Peter C, John H and Roger B . Graham supported the team with the Hunslet Diesel to provide air for the pneumatic nut runner used to undo the bolts holding the fish-plates to the rails.  As trains are now running on Thursdays, this essential job has to be fitted in between timetabled trains with careful regard to the safety of the trains and team.

5. Jim, Dave and Peter greasing fish-plates.

6. The greasing team retires to the safety of the platform as Isaac steams into Woody Bay

Elsewhere at Woody Bay work continued apace on Pilton, the big diesel.

7. Dave Evans fitted a plywood lining to the cab roof

8. Jim Price fitted door handles to the cab.

9. A craftsman at work - Jim Price using a rare brace and bit.

10. Jim Pounds painted the plywood panels for the engine bay.

Work also proceeded on the new lever frame.  Jim Pounds did a trial fit of the lever labels.  Don, Dick and Martyn worked on the further engineering of the frame.

11. Don, Dick and Martyn discuss the lever frame interlocking mechanism

12. Jim's lovely lever labels.

13. Don and DIck working on the frame.

And finally, another view of Isaac with today's occasional sleet-bearing clouds in evidence.  On the right the mini-digger fitted with the augur is ready for the fencing activity by the work party this weekend.  One of the new custom cast concrete straining posts can also be seen.  The greasing team are standing on the new retaining wall which will be clad in the original stone. The Hunslet stands on the recently relaid track.

14. Isaac approaching Woody Bay with digger, post and wall

Words and Pictures: Roger Bye