Work in Progress: 2nd June

Sunny and busy too!

This Thursday Gang report sees the return of Nigel Thompson - Lots of jobs for everyone on site today.

1. Today’s locomotive ISAAC arrives at Woody Bay with a morning train.

2. Claire Jeans has been operating the miniature railway all week. It has proved very popular with the visitors and their children with over 150 carried each day.

3. A splendid view of the miniature railway train in action with Woody Bay Station as a backdrop.

4. Meanwhile, in the shed engineers, John Uphill and Nick Slade are working on a vacuum brake-lubricating cylinder for the diesel PILTON.

5. Elsewhere in the shed, Dick Gunn was engaged in more preparation work for the signals that will be required as part of our proposed extension plans.

6. Dick cuts some steel angle to length to make brackets for the access platforms on the signal posts.

7. Whilst outside, Trevor Buck and Pete Nicholas saw up the wood required for these platforms.

8. Pete continues sawing oblivious to ISAAC's departure.

9. Outside the shed on display for photography are AXE, CHARLES WYTOCK and HEDDON HALL.

10. Dave Evans undertakes woodwork preparation to the toilet block roof …..

11…..whilst Alistair Burgess (standing) and Roger Bye, clean out a drainage channel by the platform entrance gate.

12. ISAAC's Fireman today was Mitch Wyatt.

13. Today's Guard Bob Ayres, stands ready to operate the signals and points from the cabin during the run-round.

14. The catering staff were kept very busy all day. Irene Cross tidies up the tables after many of our visitors had enjoyed their refreshments outside today.

15. Husband Tony Cross, was in the booking office selling train tickets and souvenirs. Tony is a great credit to the railway, regularly answering politely the question “Do we catch this train to Lynton?”

16. A reduced outdoor gang spent the afternoon spreading spent loco ash along the sidings. ISAAC passes the gang by the transhipment siding.

17. Alistair Burgess and Don Wood with yet another wheelbarrow load of ash to spread out.

18. Roger Bye pauses from shovelling the ash that has been stored in the SR Bogie Open wagon to admire the view.

19. Nigel Spencer’s fence-railing cleaning and painting programme has now progressed to the shorter fences by the entrance gate.

20. Our annual visitors - a family of House Martins - are once again nesting in the eaves under the top roof at Woody Bay. Many birds have been observed flying in and out of these nests.

21. Finally, at the 3.30pm volunteers tea and cake break today, your reporter Nigel Thompson (in sun hat) enjoys his refreshment. (Photo Roger Bye).

Words and photos by Nigel Thompson