Weekly Progress Report - Covered Up

An overview of last week's progress!

Permanent Way were in action last Thursday doing the tedious but vital job of clearing the line of leaves which accumulate and make the track conditions treacherous. Thursday also saw the picking up of Greenbat's motor for transport to Dorlec in Chesterfield who will refurbish the motor ready for the 2015 operational season.

Sunday saw the Motive Power Department back in action on Hibberd 4008, manufacturing more parts for the cab, this time to cover up the Gearbox which protrudes into the cabin area and also measuring up the brake rigging ready for turning down from 2 foot gauge to 18 inch gauge. Greenbat was also having work completed on it this time the re-installation of the compressor which was removed for maintenance whilst the motor and gearboxes were out of the way at Dorlec. ZM32 received an overview by a potential lead to getting back on the mend as well.

 

Hibberd 4008's original brake rigging

All up in the air!



Weekly Progress Report - Going Loco!

At this point in the year work on our main parts of the railway (the track and motive power) picks up quite a pace and with Greenbat in pieces ready for the major part the rolling chassis going away for refurbishment at Dorlec Ltd in Chesterfield next week sparked other works on the locomotive to be undertaken.

In other news, work on Hibberd 4008 can also be reported as the cab's wooden interior starts to be manufactured and installed, alongside work on the engine in the shape of a new larger fuel tank which will allow for a much longer endurance needed at Steeple Grange.

Excellent progress in only the start of what will surely be a challenging year!

Rolling Chassis on Greenbat outside in the open

Hibberd 4008 in the back of the workshop at Steeplehouse

Starting on the Gearbox Cover on Hibberd 4008



End of Season & Santa Specials 2014 !

     The weekend dawned cold and frosty and in sparkling sunshine the Santa Express propelled even more happy visitors up to the Grotto to see Father Christmas than last year. The Sunday was not quite as sunny but just as many people came to see him. Many were SGLR regulars but more were first time visitors to our Christmas activities. Suffice to say we should have even more repeat trade next time and the proceeds of it all are going to be greatly needed in the near future.


Santa Special Train returning to collect next group of visitors.

 

tidying up afterwards
 



 

 

preparing for the weekend

 

The final week at the railway saw the usual group of volunteers sorting and drying out the equipment before storage for next year and the removal of the rear screen ready for the engine house to assume it's role as workshop in the new year.