Work in Progress: 9th January

 At last, the New Year storms had subsided!

The recently installed extra drainage helped to prevent any washouts along the track near Woody Bay Station. It was time to begin the 'winter projects', preparing  the railway for the 2014 season.
 
A good turnout of the usual volunteers today and some division of resources was organised. Dave Bloomfield, Roger Bye and Don Newnham were kept busy with work around the marquee, which included installing a new concrete anchor base on the 'extension' part of the marquee. They also completed the removal of the Christmas fairy lights, and cleaned out stones from the storm drain ducts that run across the old goods yard  near the stable and 'Gents'.
 
In the shed, the engineering team have begun work on a couple of projects, including a tender for AXE and installing brakes and couplings to PILTON.
 
Not forgetting the administration work today was Dave Blencowe, who came up from Exeter to deal with the mail and other paperwork allowing Dave Tooke to take a well-earned break after the hectic Santa and Mince Pie Specials period.
 
Another project was begun this week; adjusting the car park entrance, Martyn Budd with the excavator was supervising, with volunteers Graham Varney, John Heys, Andy Foster, Nigel Spencer and Nigel Thompson.

1. Some tarmac needs to be chopped up, as a line of holes marks the line to be cut.

2. Martyn in the excavator had widened the left-hand route into the car park and back-filled with limestone scrapings.

3. This new route from the entrance will allow better parking, and encourage drivers to park nearer to the bank.

4. The excavator begins breaking up a narrow line of tarmac ready for the relocated kerb.

5. With the new kerb line dug out, work begins cementing the stones into their new positions.

6. John Heys was tasked with re-laying the kerb stones.

7. After an hour of good teamwork, with concrete mixed by Andy and Nigel T, and the stones laid and sealed by John and Nigel S, this new corner area took shape. After landscaping, this will help to further encourage neater parking.

8. The left-hand entrance is now almost complete. Vehicles entering now will keep left, with all parking at right angles.  

9. Next time work will focus on the right-hand entrance. The markings show where the cuts and re-alignment will take place. This side is being adapted to assist the coaches. Many coaches call in at Woody Bay every week and the usual procedure is for them to reverse down to the old goods yard area to unload. The alterations to this 'Disabled/Staff' parking area will enable an easier straight reverse past the cars to the drive.

10. Today's only train picture is of Hunslet diesel D6652 with the well wagon which was used as a base for the cement mixing and tool transport.  

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson