Weekly Progress Report - Sunday 13th March

Today again saw a range of activities going on.

The Permanent Way Team were working on the section of line between Killers Dale Halt and Recreation Ground Station removing a lean on a section of track which had sunk over the course of last season. With this complete they then moved on to packing sleepers on the section to remove the severity of some dipped joints.

In the Motive Power Department Hibberd 4008 had its new air system installed which will allow for through train piping which will be invaluable at the Mixed Traction Gala in Spring and also August. Other tasks completed on the locomotive was the painting of the buffer beams on both ends; these were put into undercoat prior to a top coat being applied. Peter had its battery box placed back on again after new battery box mounting rubbers were applied. Manrider 103 was returned to the Carriage and Wagon Shed now that a locomotive was available to shunt it with.

A test train was run with Manrider 103 to test the new loop form. This was passed as being fit which means that we can move forward to Easter.

 In the new building at Steeplehouse new 110V sockets were installed and wiring run to accommodate these. Also the interior panelling which was cut last week was painted, this only leaves the other side to be painted before they can be fitted to the sides of the building.

Easter is closing in!

Test Train passing the Works Train

Extension taking shape.

Weekly Progress Report - Sunday 6th March

Lots of work in preparation for Easter has been taking place.

On a Permanent Way front as the new embankment has been compacted it has allowed for more panels of track have been laid; three extra panels have been laid to allow for wagon stock to be traversed to the end to dump spoil and ballast. Finishing ballasting of the Lawson's Loop was also completed on this day.

On a Traction and Rolling Stock front Peter was next on the examination list and so was shunted into the workshop and the battery box removed using the crane. Over in the Engine House Manrider 103 was being signed off as fit for traffic as the exam had been completed on that vehicle. Also in the Engine House was Hibberd 4008 which has had its new brake bar fitted and commissioning completed as being signed off as fit for traffic once again; a mere couple of months after first going in for work to be completed.

Work inside the new shed at Steeplehouse has carried on a pace with the electrics nearly finished and ready for certification, the interior panelling was being cut and joined ready for painting before being fitted to the lower partition of the walls.

That's all for now!

Manrider 103 outside the Engine Shed having final checks completed.

Hibberd 4008 on the traverser at Steeplehouse after having the brake bar fitted.

Progress Report February 11th - 25th

It's all hands to the pump at present to prepare the Railway for the coming season. A general tidy up of Dark Lane area and a reshuffle of stock in the shed to allow the annual checks to commence.

   The permanent Way Team have completed the second side of Lawson's Loop and reconnected the points and levers it just remains to finally pack and adjust before passenger running.

    Annual inspections have been done on ZM with no issues found thankfully and a successful run over the mainline completed. Greenbat had it's battery box removed using the new crane facility which cut the time to approximately 5 minutes and all a lot less effort required. Again no issues found and passed ready for traffic. Work on 'Ullr' 4008 is proceeding with the construction and fitting of a new brake rod and brackets as well as some repainting of the buffer beams. A new tool box has also been fitted in the driver compartment. Manrider 103 has been brought into the engine shed and raised up to allow better access ready for it's pre running checks.

   Work has begun on constructing a rear canopy to the engine shed over the back apron using steelwork salvaged from the old wagon bodies with Keith in charge of the master plan.

  Much activity is being concentrated on our new building at present with the electrical connection completed from the existing supply allowing the roller door to be commissioned. Work fitting the trunking to take the internal wiring has been completed and delivery of the timber for the internal panelling and vice bench ready for cutting.

  Lastly despite it being our closed season on Valentines Day several trains did run as there were customers who had made a special journey to see us although only up as far as Recreation Ground Bridge due to Lawson's Loop being unavailable. It's only a few weeks now until the new season starts over the Easter weekend and we hope to see many of you there weather permitting!