Work in Progress - 30 June

posted by Nigel Thompson on Sun, 03/07/2011 - 13:19

With another good turnout of volunteers today, General Manager Martyn Budd divided us into a number of groups in order to carry out various tasks, at Woody Bay and Killington Lane.

1. At the storage area at Killington Lane, the undergrowth has been further cut back to reveal a stack of ex-MoD rail. It has been in store here for several years. After uncovering this stack the Thursday Group volunteers "barred" across the 30' lengths so they are neatly stored ready for future re-use on the extension.

2. Neatly restacked it it is now possible to assess the quality and straightness (or not) of these rails - formerly from MoD munitions depots.

3. AXE with a passenger train at Killington Lane ready to return to Woody Bay.

4. An ex-MoD right-hand turnout was lifted from storage across to a level area by Killington Lane Halt so that work could begin on its re-gauging.

5. The first job was to de-clip and unscrew the rail plates from the sleepers. Several rotten sleepers needed replacing.

6. After the 'new' sleepers were installed, the straight rail was secured by drilling new holes for the rail plate screws. Richard Willey operates the drill on this task. This re-gauging project is part of the programme to prepare stored track materials ready for the railway's future extension.

7. Hunslet diesel HEDDON HALL with the works train of box vans No.61 & No.64 at Killington Lane awaiting the token to return to Woody Bay after the end of the days work.

Back at Woody Bay it was another busy day with the train operations. Meanwhile, there were several volunteers at work on the Brake Van restoration, repainting the platform railings, preparing for the Railwayana Valuation Day, and electrical work in the shed.

8. Here Electrician, Richard Burgess is attending to some wiring in the workshop at the back of the running shed.

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Words and photos by Nigel Thompson. There will be no report from Nigel on Thursday 7th as he will be away on holiday. Hopefully Graham B will substitute again!