Work in Progress: 4th July

AXE - now back in service - was faultlessly working the passenger train today. A steady stream of visitors were about enjoying their ride on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. The Thursday gang of volunteers had turned up to carry out a variety of jobs around the railway at Woody Bay.

1. The weather was back to Exmoor drizzle in the morning, so we were tasked with some jobs in or near the shed. Jim Pounds took on an inside job of restoring a platform barrow. Jim began by wire brush cleaning off the old paint from the steel framework.

2. A pile of old pallets also needed cutting up for firewood for lighting the steam locos each day. Graham Varney cuts the wood for the others to remove and store in the shed.

3. Andy Foster and Jim McFarlane help to move the cut pallet wood sections away to store for future fire lighting material.

4. Green Hunslet diesel D6652 is currently being fitted with air brakes and the cab controls. Young engineer volunteer Nick Slade today was helping to progress this project.

5. The weather improved after the early lunch break, so we were able to continue the odd jobs in the car park. This trench takes storm rain-water off the A39 to go under the car park preventing wash outs and flooding. A new drain pipe was installed in the trench to help the water flow directly to the pipe under the car park. A bucket of chippings from the excavator is spread out along the trench after the pipe was installed.

6. Spreading out the chippings along the trench.

7. Meanwhile the 'fencing' gang resumed the project to renew the fence above the car park. Last weeks installed posts were ready to receive the fencing wire.

8. As the wires were strung out in place and the spacers fixed to the wires, AXE passes with an afternoon departure from Woody Bay.

9. The volunteers pose on the completed fence as AXE returns with the train later.

10. Another view of AXE on the passenger train approaching Woody Bay is now possible, now framed through the trees from the new path opened up between behind the coal store and the picnic area.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson