Work in Progress: 27th November

While the trains are away...

1. No trains were running today, but earlier in the week, the very light loadings prompted the use of just heritage carriage No.17. Used as originally intended when first built in 1911, No. 17 has everything needed for a one-carriage train: first and third class compartments, plus Guard's brake and luggage area.

2. Woody Bay Station takes on a new look, temporarily covered with scaffolding this winter, as planned roof and woodwork repairs take place. Long-standing Trust members may well remember when, in the late 1990s, volunteers completely repaired the roof and chimneys at Woody Bay. Your reporter, Nigel was one of those hardy souls who braved all weathers then on the scaffolding to assist in the early low-budget but essential repairs

3. Graham Varney puts the finishing touches to the re-sited foot/barrow crossing.

4. Don Newnham and Dick Gunn were on site today continuing their signalling alterations. In the shed they prepare a signal cable end loop tie...

5. ... while electricians Daves Drayson and Bloomfield work on a cooling fan for a welder.

6. Don and Dick resiting the shunt crossover signal onto a higher bracket on the down home signal post.

7. The recently-cleaned shunt disc signal has been fixed onto the bracket.

8. The cable to operate this signal is fixed to a double 'L' crank attached to the base of the signal post.

9. Overall view of the down home signal showing the ground signal soon to be replaced by the higher-level bracket signal. This project is designed to enhance visibility upon signal sighting as down trains approach Woody Bay.

10. Just one locomotive picture this week - Baguley Diesel D2393 'PILTON' stabled in the headshunt.

11. After lunch, many of the gang continued the tree clearance work at Rowley Moor Farm. Graham Bendell assists moving branches to the bonfire with the opened-up view towards Heddons Mouth, with The Bristol Channel and Wales visible

12. The hedge laying work is almost complete but work continues to dispose of the cut-down branches

13. Another view of the new lower hedge corner. The view now from Rowley Moor Farm is just superb. There may be a few timeshares left, so do get in touch...

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson