Work on the new point at Parkend has resumed again following a 'pause' as Network Rail so eloquently put it. Drilling and bolting down has continued apace and it is hoped to get it completed for lifting into place ASAP.
Screwing and gauging continues. (Pic-A.Stenning)
Petrol spanners at full chat. (Pic-A.Stenning)
This is hoped to be assisted by the newly overhauled Diesel crane which is currently undergoing its job and cable insurance tests, This should prove interesting!
A request was made by the 5541 gang to have a look at the lip forming on the inside of one of the rails in the long loop at Norchard. Closer inspection found the rail to be an 85ln rail sitting opposite and in between 95lb rails. This had resulted in heavy wear causing a potentially flange damaging lip to form. This was temporarily solved by the simple expedient of applying angle grinders to the lip to remove it. This is only short term solution and the 'new' rail has been located in the vicinity of Lydney Junction and will be brought up by works train for us to replace.
Temporary but necessary! (Pic-P.Hyndman)
Continued work goes on around the yard on non p/way days with all the levers for the hand points in the yard receiving a spanking new paint job to make them more visible to shunters and loco crews alike. Being hand operated rather than signalbox or ground frame operated, they fall into p/ways remit.
Another job looms menacingly on the horizon and that is the replacement of 9 timbers in the headshunt northwards of the crossing from Parkend. This is an operationally vital point as it is required for the locos to run around the train. Luckily we have sourced enough timbers from various locations around the railway to sort them. Notably they are shortened ones that were removed from the pointwork we a re assembling at the moment. Although worn they are just what is required for a low speed headshunt. More on this job as it occurs.
Once again we are host to the tamper from NR for a number of weeks to train crews, however interestingly we also recieved a visit from a ballast regulator. A rare beast indeed considering they are renowned for breaking down! Fingers were crossed that it didn't happen on our watch!
Looking South to Upper Forge. (Pic-E.Dyer)
Tamper and Regulator. Not often get to see the pair of them together! (Pic-E.Dyer)
