Progress Report - Spring Mixed Traction Weekend

Nothing short of a fantastic weekend!

The mixed traction weekend early in the season was a bit of a venture but really did pay off perhaps not completely weather-wise however the rain managed to stay away just slightly chilly!

On the Saturday train loadings were good and all trains ran to the timetable with only Ullr deciding to cause an issue when it failed before its first path with a battery issue; this was swiftly resolved converting it back to hand crank allowing the locomotive to complete its paths for the rest of the day. One seven header was ran as the weather closed in and made track conditions too risky to try and run the half past four service.

The Sunday was a much better day weather-wise with more sunshine albeit with a foggy start. After team discussion for the day and Ullr was started (quite a lengthy process on a cold morning!) the train services started, kicking off with Greenbat on the first run swiftly followed by ZM32 on the goods. Today both seven headers ran with great enthusiasm and enjoyment from the team of drivers piloting these two services.

Thanks has to go to all the staff who made the weekend happen, from planners to drivers and guards to shunters! Well done to everyone!

Progress Report - Sunday 3rd April

Just a week after Easter and we are already fully prepared for our next event next weekend on the 9th and 10th of April; The SPRING MIXED TRACTION GALA!

With this in mind the Traction Department had a lot planned for today however Ullr had other ideas! On routine inspection it was discovered that one of the bearings in the axle had collapsed which rendered the locomotive out of action; it was swiftly moved to the workshop where it was lifted and the axle box removed from the axle. On further inspection of the bearing on the other side it was thought that bearing may be similar to that used on 1881, the locomotive sat on the plinth by the station area. After removing that bearing it was exactly the same, a relief for the team, it was cleaned out, examined and then greased and fitted. Thankfully this allows the locomotive to run next weekend at the traction gala.

Inside the new building trim was being fitted to the panelling recently installed over Easter to finish off the joins between the panels. Also the timber for the workbench was cut and further fitted together allowing for the sturdy bench to be used once the top has been delivered to site.

Alongside all of this the service train was operating with healthy passenger numbers enjoying the warmth of the sunshine!

De-winterisation

New Workbench support structure

Progress Report - Easter!

Our first event over with for the year which marked our start of the 2016 operational season. This kicked off with normal services handled by our resident stalwarts ZM32, Greenbat, Peggy and Peter.

In the new building over the weekend the interior was coming on really well, it was decided to install panelling in order to allow for better insulation and also something to mount socket banks and racking to. This is now complete and also painted meaning that further work on the electrics of the building which includes the lights can be completed.

In the Traction and Rolling Stock Department Ullr was in for painting of the buffer beams and also the manufacturing and fitting of a battery box in the cab to stop water ingress onto the tops of the batteries which could cause major damage to them. Hudson was also brought down for pre-gala maintenance which included adjusting the fuel mixture to allow it to run smoother and also maintain a tick over speed easily.

Only one week till our gala!

Diesel line up during shunting