That was the week that was.

Well that was quite possibly the coldest wettest week we could have chosen for a working week. Still, mustn't grumble.

Sadly we didn't manage to get the pointwork into the ground, although a large part of the pointwork is complete and the lifting that our brace of RRV's managed to achieve for us means that we can finish the construction with the kit we have, all ready for it to be craned into position in the near future.

 Cold morning start + diesel engines=Clag!

Hope we didn't wake the neighbours! (Pic - C.Lewis)

The RRV's once delivered were stabled within the station limits in platform 1. This was also shared by the bogie bolster the final parts arrived from the junction on and a very ex BR-brake van. Although an incredibly grotty bit of kit, the brakes worked perfectly and due to the overhang of the rail on the wagon, the unique shape of the brakevan prevented the rails from catching on the bodywork. Something that couldn't be achieved with our Midland or Toad brakevans.

Good view of the RRV's maneuvering the rails into position. Due the weight of these

bits of kit, heavy lifting capacity is a must! (Pic - C.Lewis) 

Lifting in the sun. (Pic - C.Lewis)

Aron on the drill. (Pic - S.Bolingbroke)
  

 RRV's having just laid the check rail in the 4 foot. (Pic - C.Lewis)

Once the last delivery was on-site, it was necessary to trim them down to size to fit between the stock rails and the point vee. The trimming was necessary as they came from a slightly longer D type point. This being a C. This worked out quite nicely as it resulted in cutting off the section that has the thermite weld. The upshot was had room to adjust.

And adjust we did! Our railsaw once again came to the fore and performed its hardest graft so far at the DFR. It turns out that more modern 113lb FB rails have a slightly harder steel compared to well worn 85 and 95lb BH rails. A fair few cutting blades were used.

 Yours truly receiving guidance from Courtney. (Pic-A.Stenning)

 Safe to go it alone! (Pic-C.Lewis)

Rail successfully cut. (Pic - C.Lewis)

 Lined up and ready to drill. Notice how wet everything except the cut rail. Bit warm!

(Pic - C.Lewis)

Once the main cutting of the check rails was done, the RRV chained up and lifted them onto the sleepers where they were bolted into position. Lifting proved an interesting task as it took place on the Wednesday that the Forest Flyer DMU service was running. This is one of the first running days of the new season so stopping at Whitecroft was a no-go. Luckily being the DMU it didn't require the second platform road so we were able to secure a signalman for the day and do our work within the timetable.

Looking on as the DMU passes. (Pic - C.Lewis)

The point as it stands. (Pic - R.Alpin)

As you can see the point is not quite where it needs to be, however work does continue every Thursday and Sunday if you would like to join us.

This lack of installation is a mixed blessing however as it was noticed by our friendly S&T gang that the point blades had indeed been drilled. However it had been drilled for the mounting of a point motor, whereas we shall be operating this by hand from Parkend box. It is far eaier for them to drill it in situ where it is at the moment rather than havingto do it once it is in the running line.

You might almost say we planned it to be like that.

Honest guv....

Due to this being a working week for p/way and not just a week on the pointwork, we also took full advantage of the RRV's and used them to fill the 8 Dogfish Rob, Courtney and the 08 retrieved from their sidings. We are expecting another visit from the Ballast Regulator in the near future for another training session, and it seemed prudent to give it some ballast to regulate!

 Ballast loading (Pic - A.Stenning)

And the other one. (Pic - A.Stenning)

Gladys in the High Level after what I was reliably informed a spirited effort to

propel the Dogfish up the bank. (Pic - C.Lewis)

Fiddling with the Shark in the approach to the Low Level. (Pic - C.Lewis)

One of the last jobs achieved was the recovery of some of the bags of ballast from Whitecroft and bring them up to Parkend for our Civil Engineering Dept and their ongoing battle with the culvert. Aron was dispatched with RRV and trailer for the purpose!

On the way to Parkend. (Pic - A.Stenning)

Returning to Parkend. (Pic A. Stenning)

Hope you enjoyed the update, more will arrive soon.