Work in Progress: 2nd August

posted by Nigel Thompson on Sat, 04/08/2012 - 00:22

Today's work for the Thursday Group was focussed at Killington Lane - continuing the alterations, enhancements and improvements required for the introduction next year of the larger heritage carriages into service.

(Pictures 1-4 were held over from last week's report, as the gang successfully installed a new point indicator/shunt disc signal onto the loop line )

1. At Killington Lane cables and cranks linked to the lever frame are fitted beside the turnout.

2. The cable runs through a few pulleys towards the signals position.

3. The disc signal (horizontal for danger) linked to the point levers will indicate the position of the points to drivers of locomotives during the run-round procedure and shunt moves.

4. Signalling expert engineer Dick Gunn was on hand to make all the necessary adjustments to commission the new signal.

5. AXE runs past the signal clearly showing the safe route through the points.

6. As AXE backs onto the train the new point indicator disc signal is seen alongside the loop line.

7. Fireman Julian Sinclair and Driver Graham Varney were in charge of AXE today.

8. The main job at Killington Lane was to reposition the waiting shelter further away from the platform edge, to allow more clearance for the larger and wider heritage carriages entering service next year.

9. The gang remove the shelter from its corner anchoring posts.

10. Now moved back a couple of feet, the waiting shelter is levelled and squared.

11. After securing to its new anchor posts, the shelter gives more clearance as AXE arrives with an afternoon service from Woody Bay.

12. HEDDON HALL and works train, carrying tools and the excavator, was shunted into the transhipment siding during AXE's run-rounds.

13. AXE is photographed by visitors as it runs around the train.

14. The works train in the loop line after completion of today's work.

15. Before returning to Woody Bay, the works train was reformed by repositioning the Brake van to the Barnstaple end of the train.

16. Two trains alongside each other at Killington Lane as AXE prepares to leave with an afternoon service and the works train awaits its later return to Woody Bay.

17. HEDDON HALL with the works train and repositioned shelter at Killington Lane.

18. To get the works train back to Woody Bay, AXE was summoned light engine to Killington Lane to haul the complete works train back up the line. This was a very rare and unusual movement of a steam-hauled works train on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

19. The refurbishment and repaint of the ex-MoD Box Vans progresses from the work in the shed. Recently renumbered Tools Vans SR No.s 47061 and 47062 are currently on display in the loading dock siding.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson