February Track Weekend

The first track weekend of the year saw dry but rather cold conditions on site.

A very good turn out of volunteers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw a number of jobs undertaken. The main focus was work on the second track in the cutting down to the tunnel, with excellent progress being made. All the materials unloaded last weekend were used up and several more panels of track are now complete.

Work continued on the point rodding runs with the benches for the angle cranks set up. These are composed of two large concrete blocks and two hardwood sleepers, so everything is very heavy. Lots of huffing and puffing was required to finalize the location of the bench, but it is there now.

Elsewhere the railbus received some work to the air system and an ‘A’ exam.

Joe was up working on a gate for the platform and potting up bulbs for the new season.

Saturday also saw the appearance of the latest thing in ballast laying technology, fresh from Tony’s workshop. Unfortunately no photographs are currently available as it is a highly secret prototype, keeping watching this site for further news.

Considering the temperature it was great to see such a good turn out of volunteers, well done everyone.

The Ruston well down the cutting while employed on permanent way duties

In the sunshine of Saturday afternoon the team move another panel across to the desired position.

Applying the curve to the second line down the cutting and ensuring the 6ft is maintained.

The pw trolleys that were packed with equipment at the start of the day looking somewhat empty by the end.

Some of the pw gang discussing the next job.

The main focus on Sunday was to get the bench for the angle cranks in place.

With the base in the place the rodding run can now be finalized and adjusted allowing the point to be thrown from the ground frame.

The sunshine of the Saturday was replaced by freezing fog on the Sunday. The tunnel mouth behind the Ruston is almost shrouded from view.

The Ruston at the northern limit of our running line, which now awaits ballast before it can be brought into full use.