4th May Over running engineering works
A good turnout today totalling 11 and were Alan June plus Tim Heather David D David G Dave M Dave MB (all the Dave's again) Alan S Phil Robin Jamie and Henry. Thanks to David D for providing the news whilst I was enjoying myself in Wales and David G for the pictures. David D has found it is not easy and took three write ups to get it word perfect. Work continued with the level crossing Spinney signal box re wiring and getting the rest of the signals out and testing where possible. Other jobs involved site clearing carriage shed cleaning and another signalling location box postcreted into the ground. Picture shows Robin showing his homework and how to bend like a banana. This was booked to be our first running day but that was not possible with the amount of work still to do. Dave M became unwell and had to leave we wish him a speedy recovery.
David D managed to stay all day which was good to see but he says the next meeting may be problematic due to his treatment programme. David D can be seen using his pressure washer to clean Dingly Dell and later Old Oak and he kept reminding us to ensure our foot wear was clean before stepping on the newly cleaned platforms. Phil and a group of pressed volunteers managed to get the rest of the signals and gantries out and plugged in and Phil managed to test most of them where a power supply existed. June and Dave MB can be seen taking drastic action against the weeds that have sprung up with the wet then warm climate whilst Heather disappeared into the carriage shed to make the wagons more accessible especially as we have freight day at the beginning of June. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes there seemed to be some specialities as usual from Phil and David D. Thanks to Dave MB and Jamie for photo contributions.
Level crossing
The level crossing project continued apace with Alan S Dave M and David G bonding the new rails. Alan S and Dave M concentrated on fixing wooden boards to in fill the 4 foot and either side of the lines. The wood used either side of the lines will eventually be replaced when the drive is resurface but that is a long way off as the other line requires similar treatment maybe next year. More concrete was found to be in the way requiring the use of the power cutter again with Alan S at the helm although it is difficult to see him as usual.
Rewiring project
Alan A continued quietly in Spinney box connecting the new wiring to the connector board and says he is nearly 98% complete. The wiring is being done in parallel with the existing wiring and when the time comes we should be able to swap over from old to new without issues fingers crossed. Jamie and Henry assembled a new location box a the top of the branch which will feed out to the branch track circuits when wired. The Spinney trench has been infilled and embankment cut back hopefully the vegetation will grow back to bind it together otherwise netting or grass seed will be required to contain it. Picture also shows another electrical box fixed to the external Spinney signal box. I took several pictures of Robin and here we see him with his bedtime reading but I was unable to catch him asleep not sure how much progress was made at this location box but he was there most of the day and only have space to include one picture.
Limited clearance
These pictures show a post has moved towards the line reducing the clearance and the other with a branch covering the entrance to the second tunnel which was cut up and removed.
At the end of the day
Just as most of us had packed up and exhausted Old Oak point number 8 was being investigated as it would not throw. Fault found to be with the external lever mechanism and will have to be dealt with next time as the fixing bolts will need to be ground off and bearing lubricated etc. David G and Phil had the point mechanism dismantled several times before fault found to be outside the point box. Other issues on detection are apparent and will require a lot of time and effort to rectify. Picture shows the many giving advice. This is now planned to be dismantled and repaired at the next meeting hopefully we remember to bring the appropriate tooling. David D and G have stated they will not be able to attend.
20th April: Editor David Daines
Well with Tim and Heather away galavanting on the ‘Great Little Bit Bigger than Ours Trains of Wales’ I’m afraid it’s me writing the News again. Please let me know of any errors omission bloopers or typos please be kind.
Present today were in no particular order Alan and June Robin Alan S Andy David G Mick Phil Jamie and Henry and me David D.
Alan A and Robin continued with the ‘grand re-wiring project’ and it appears to be going well. Robin gave me a glance inside one of the new boxes and it looked well one word if I can spell it ‘exquisite’ (thank you spell-checker). The new system is not yet ready for commissioning but all the existing wiring is still in place and so this should not affect our planned ‘start of running’.
Alan S Mick and Andy continued work on the track across the driveway and the new heavy duty plastic frames on which the rails are fixed look substantial and resilient. Work was done to correct the levels here and this should result in a better ride. By ‘close of play’ this new panel was cemented in and looking very good.
David G continued with sorting out the track circuits that were disturbed when the track was re-laid at Baytree. Much consulting of wiring diagrams prodding with a multi-meter and scratching of head was observed but I think this was successfully completed despite confusing wire colour codes. Of course all the signal boxes remain to be fully tested before we can start running.
Phil completed the re-installation of the signals
with the two gantries remaining
‘many hands to assist’ being the order with those. The railway always ‘comes alive’ each year when the signals go out
it looks so bleak without them.
Jamie and Henry were involved in concrete post moving and installation
but also found time to help me
for which I am grateful. Mick also helped me pack away
thanks.
Me
well I had got fed up with just sitting around watching others work
as at my last visits
and I am feeling a lot better just now (thanks for your good wishes)
so I set out to clean the station platforms with my high-pressure patio washer. After a slow start getting water and power organised (once again thanks to Jamie and Henry for your help) I managed to clean the Baytree platform. Now
wipe your boots please before walking on it and no sitting there in dirty jeans. I did also manage to do the Dingly short platform
but I’m afraid I then ran out of time
and more seriously ‘puff’
so the rest will have to wait until next time.
Despite several absences this time
I think it could be said that much useful work was carried out today.
Many thanks to June for the refreshments
and to David G
who will have the task of adding the photographs he took
and knocking this into a readable format.
15th April Extra working day
An extra working day was organised amongst the rewiring team with the aim of getting the railway up and running as soon as possible. Don't want to be the subject of over running engineering works. Robin Dave MB and Peter met and fed cables into some 44mm and 3 x 25mm conduit. Dave had to go out to buy some more twin cable. After early morning deluge it turned out fine the rest of the day. Thanks to June for teas and biscuits very unexpected as it was a working day.
6th April
The winter work continued at a good pace and it is a race against time if we are to run at the beginning of May or will it be over running engineering works!!!. Present today were June Alan plus Dirty dozen Tim Heather Dave MB David G Alan S Mick Dave M Andy Peter Robin Nick and Phil. Jamie is still in Sweden so would have been too late back had he attended and unfortunately David D is still feeling poorly and we wish him well and Paul sent his apologies for not being available. Phil managed to get in this time as level crossing work had not started. Andy arrived and shortly afterwards we stopped for lunch has he taken Cliffs spot???
Today’s works involved:-
- Remove track and sleepers from level crossing
- Continuation of digging trenches for the conduit
- Continuation of rewiring Spinney signal box
- Cleaning signal boxes and platforms
- Putting out signals
- Running cables through the new tubing
- Spot resleepering
The weather has turned warmer and with quite a few of us not available next time it was decided to set out the signals and clean the signal boxes and platforms earlier than planned. Heather took on the cleaning and clearing whilst Phil put out nearly all the signals just those on gantries still require putting out but this will involve many people as heavy and needs to be manoeuvred carefully. Nick has produced two position light signals which took 6 hours each to manufacture on his 3D printer. The larger of the two has been chosen and will form Spinney number 10 signal. It comes with the light covers which can be seen in the container along with the LED lights. David G can be seen spot re sleeping which was David D old job.
Level crossing
Sleepers were removed with the intention of replacing with plastic sleepers but this plan was changed and Alan S can once again be seen creating a sand storm as the track cement was cut out to make out what looked like a canal. This it is planned will be fitted with longitudinal plastic sleepers and cemented into place. Picture above shows Alan S and Mick keeping their distance from Dave M for some reason. Originally I was going to take a picture as Mick was holding a shovel and Dave M was holding the entrance gate in case they fell over. Next time will involve more concreting.
Rewiring project
Robin is continuing to work from home and make up the wiring connections in the electrical boxes and Alan A continued with wiring in Spinney signal box which involved connecting existing track circuit wiring to be ready for new external wiring infrastructure. Signals and points to follow with some comms.
Robin supervised whilst Peter and Dave MB pulled cables through the conduit which proved difficult at times but they got there and the conduit was passed through the new tubing under the level crossing and to the appropriate site for the electrical box. I continued to dig outside Spinney signal box where I had to cut through concrete and also came across other conduit in the way.
Next time
A few of us are unable to be present however there should be enough to continue with the level crossing and laying the conduit in the ground.
23rd March - A hole days work
I have called it a ‘hole days work' because we spent most of our time digging holes / trenches. Present today were June plus Tim Robin Alan S Mick Dave M Peter and Andy. Dave MB and David D said they were unable to attend David G on ANOTHER holiday whilst Phil arrived very soon after the gates were closed to start digging the drive and with my car across and blocking the entrance as I had to leave early so he went back home probably a wise decision as we had two hail storms to shelter from. Apart from that weather was OK for the jobs to be done.
Today’s works involved:-
- Second trench across the level crossing
- Two more concrete posts erected for the new electrical location boxes
- New electrical connection cable to signal BE 8
- Start to dig the trenches
- Running cables through the new tubing
Picture above shows Peter replacing the electrical cable and fitting a new connector to signal BE 8. A new cable is required because the socket has been moved to a new location on the water tower base and also re wired which meant for a longer cable.
Level crossing
Main project was the digging and infilling with the pipe and cement at the level crossing. With Alan S in charge and doing most of the work he was helped by his elfs Andy Dave and Mick.
First picture shows the marking out using a line and chalk unfortunately when Alan S started cutting he could not see the chalk line for the dust. Third picture shows Mick holding back Dave M or he has two heads whilst Andy and Alan S dig out the trench. When digging three pipes were uncovered when only two were expected. The fourth picture shows Mick on his own with everyone deserting him. You will notice my car turned as I did a trip out to buy some more cement working on the ‘just in time’ railway policy of providing the commodities to do the job. Once concreting had been completed the task of bridge building was put into place. Unfortunately I had left before a vehicle test had been made but have not heard of any failures.
Rewiring project
I continued to install two more concrete posts which support the new electrical boxes which Robin can be seen holding in the last news. Two more holes dug and postcrete to set into the ground and these will be ready for Robin to attach the electrical boxes next time. Robin has drilled holes (more holes) in two of the electrical boxes and checked they fitted one was a bit tight and holes will require enlarging. I started to dig a trench at Spinney signal box where the tubing and cables will surface and enter the signal box. Avoiding buried cables again I also came across a concrete signal base which was larger than required and in the way. Once again Alan to the rescue armed with his cutter and helped make another sand storm this time cutting the corner from the signal post base which was approximately one foot thick well over engineered. Two hail storms - two sand storms. The new black socket cover that Peter had recently fitted is now white.
Right hand picture shows Robin and Peter preparing to run cables through the new conduit / tubing in readiness to be placed into the ground hopefully next time.
9th March
Both Peter and Robin have been busy at home and can be seen showing their homework. Peter has made a new signal post for Spinney number 10 shunt signal although when originally explaining I am sure he mentioned Old Oak shunt signal number 10 a totally different location. Robin has been making the electrical connector panels that fit in the new boxes which will appear around the railway as part of the re wiring scheme. A good turnout today and were:- Alan June plus Tim Peter Robin Phil Mick Alan S David G Jamie Henry Paul and David D who had to leave early (I feel this could become a winter catch phrase) before the level crossing became impassable. We checked that he had left the flap jack before leaving unlike last time when he took them back home. Thanks to June for the teas and the cakes.
Level crossing
With both supervisors back we were able to watch the progression of the level crossing.
Left hand picture (above) shows Mick doing his bit to hold the tree up so it did not fall on the invaluable worker. Righthand picture shows A & A pointing to point 'B' and Robin looking into it whilst the picture on the left shows the worker to supervisor requirement 8 to 1 (including me behind the camera). These pictures illustrate the progress made today with blocks marking the boundary of the level crossing and the infill of concrete up to a level where tarmac will be laid once all the construction work has been completed. After this picture was taken a bridge had to be constructed in order for us to leave. Bridge building skills are getting better and a ramp was made to assist vehicles over the wet cement and blocks.
Signalling and trackwork
Robin can be seen looking into something (getting pictures of him looking at things) whilst David has a lie down and connects the cables for the track circuits. These will require testing next time now that the block joint has been reconnected hopefully there will be no problems. Alan is making a new electrical connection board for Spinney Signalbox which is all part of the re wiring scheme. Baytree relaying project is now complete and all with the help from Henry who has quite a load in the wheelbarrow considering his height. Peter also removed the old signal connecter from where the distant used to be on the Old Oak branch. The signal has been moved and will need to be electrically connected when the new wires reach the signal area. Peter also inserted his new signal post into the ground and after a bit of discussion Spinney shunt signal number 10 has been moved and is now a right hand signal. It can easily be seen and avoids people clashing with it when walking in that area. Phil and I have drilled the remaining hole for BE 8 signal and will be ready for Peter to connect with new and longer cables next time. Also Phil Jamie Henry and I dug holes and postcreted in three concrete posts for the electrical boxes which Robin is working on.
2nd March - Mick's railway
Mick kindly invited us to visit his railway which he has spent the last two and a half years constructing and consists of an oval with a terminus in the centre of the room which made for good and interesting railway operations. The whole set up is DCC so included sound on the locomotives. As can be seen in the pictures a good turnout and included:- Mick (Hosting) Tim Heather Robin Nick Paul Phil Dave MB Jamie and Henry with guests Mike and Anne. Those of us who are taller than others did manage to hit the ceiling a few times sorry Mick hope roof not damaged. Thanks to the chefs Heather and Nicks wife Robyn who made excellent cakes (fruit and a lemon cake).
The 08 shunter appears to run out of track (Won't say who was driving) but I can't say too much as I crashed the MPV several times but in my defence either the controller was not working correctly or I just could not stop the train until it hit something else (That's the other way to stop something). Mick had tested the railway during the week and said all had performed as it should but today we had a few shorts which stopped everything another job for Mick to keep him busy. Otherwise all went well and everyone had a go at driving a train around the layout. Interesting to note was that my MPV did get in the way of the other trains just like the main line railway.
Many photos were taken but as usual I have to limit them for the web site. Jamie took his class 33 and I took my MPV. Unfortunately I only have a video of the 33 and no still pictures however Jamie has sent in a picture of his 33 hauling wagons. Unfortunately the 33 broke down and Mick has held on to it to find out what the problem is. I have included these pictures because they highlight the attention to detail Mick has put into the layout I.e. ballast gradients and back drops. You could be forgiven for forgetting it is a model.
Thanks Mick a great day and good banter as well.
24th February
After a cold start and forecast of rain it turned out to be a good working day. The A3 was shut for bridge removal so some of us had to make detours. With Alan A away Alan S sick David D and Dave M and Dave MB all the D's suffering from hospital visits this left nine friends who were Tim Phil Peter Robin Mick David G Paul Jamie and Henry. Dave M attended for a short period to deliver the cement as did David D but was not well enough to stay we wish them all well. Projects continued to move at a good pace and were mainly:- Installation of signal post and electrical connectors and mounting posts Level crossing Baytree replacement track and bridge repair. The posts shown on the left were placed in storage and will be used to mount electrical boxes when the re wiring commences. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes.
Level Crossing
Continuing with the level crossing project lefthand picture shows Robin Paul and Mick performing their version of the sand dance before laying in the trench. Righthand picture shows the group waiting for the mix or waiting for it to be switched on.
With Alan A and Alan S both missing from the project today we were left with out the technical guidance required but hopefully the right decisions have been made and that they will both be pleased with the result.
Paul said 5 to 1 and I thought he was referring to lunch but actually referred to the mix. The pictures show the trench being filled and Robin looking into it.
The pipe ends were covered over to prevent rain water from filling the pipe and a bridge was built and tested using Paul's car all worked well.
Baytree relaying and Old Oak
After Peter had repaired the bridge with new pop rivets he continued with his project of replacing and renewing the signal connectors and mounting posts securing in post Crete. Lefthand picture shows Peter working on Old Oak platform signals 11 and 12. Righthand picture also shows Peter working on the Baytree platform signal BE 8. Phil made a wooden backing piece from wood and painted at home then mounted it to the base of the water tower which is helping to smarten the place and tidy the cabling. Righthand picture also shows Robin keeping an eye on the workers (can you spot the worker). Paul collected more ballast and Jaime and Henry spread it out whilst Robin checked the levels.
Next time
Hopefully next time we will have the level crossing project managers back and able to move the project forward.
10th February a very productive day
Now that the daylight hours are getting longer and good weather we were able to make good progress. A very good turnout with fourteen friends who were:- Alan June plus Tim Mick Alan S David G David D Dave M Robin Nick Peter Phil Andy Paul Jamie and Henry. Thanks to David G and Alan A for news contribution and June for the teas and cakes. Projects moved at a good pace and were mainly:- Installation of two signal posts Level crossing Baytree replacement track Baytree number 14 point and spot resleepering.
Level crossing
This project will see two trenches dug one for each line to insert a tube for planned railway rewiring. The level crossing will be resurfaced once these services have been installed. I have added quite a few pictures as I will be monitoring this project for the news.
Left hand picture shows Michael showing his strength with the grinder used to cut through the concrete and tarmac. Right hand picture shows the ratio of one worker to seven supervisors all with their own ideas.
Right hand picture shows Dave M incorrectly wearing his ear defenders although we did not notice any difference in his work.
Unfortunately there was a communications break down and the cement for infilling the trench was not ordered and this did not become apparent until it was needed. With a deep trench across the drive this meant that all vehicles were trapped on site. The solution was to build a bridge using bricks sand and paving slabs. Right hand picture shows David D driving the first car over the bridged trench. Unfortunately one slab broke but was easily replaced so the rest of us could get home.
Baytree track panel relaying
Robin remembered to bring the sleepers this time and the remaining track panel was assembled very quickly and lowered into place. Ballast was transported by electric wheelbarrow which if you have never used one before can catch you out as it takes you for a ride. Peter had a go whist removing the old platform signal post and said it is lethal!!!! David G came and said the track circuits are down and Robin politely showed him the disconnected and replacement wires as that will be the last thing to be done. Phil and I installed the Baytree starter signal post whilst Jamie and Henry did a bit of spot resleepering which used to be a favourite for David D.
Baytree number 14 point
This is the third day of investigation as to why Baytree point will not work. The point itself failed quite a while ago but as it is not used very much it was low priority but now we have the resources to fix. Today David G and Alan A systematically worked their way through wiring diagrams and testing but still not resolved by the time David G had to leave. Alan A continued to diagnose and managed to find the problem that had eluded us. It turned out to be a bad crimp on the common side of the point motor return - the connection to the big power supply unit. Positive side was open - It seems to have been re-routed at some time no idea why so Alan A shortened the run and with new crimps all is OK. Next time attention required on the detection as the indicator in the signal box only shows on NORMAL not REVERSE Alan A suspects that is simply the microswitch in the motor. Pictures show David G looking for the pound coin he dropped in the point machine although some say he would have caught it on the way down and the right hand picture shows both David G and Alan A fault finding.
Next time
Hopefully the level crossing will have all the components it needs and continue with projects.
27th January a forgetful day
A cold start to the day with ice on the windscreen of our vehicles and maybe this was to blame for the amount of forgetfulness. Robin forgot the important sleepers Dave MB forgot his drill Mick forgot the traverser has wheels and I forgot to bring the post crete to use on the signal bases. However plenty of banter to get us through the day and it warmed up a bit. Ten friends made it to the railway today and were:-Alan June plus Tim Robin Alan S Mick Peter Dave M Dave MB Phil Andy and David D. Thanks to Peter for photos for this news and June for the teas and cakes. Apologies from Jamie and Paul who have been ill and David G probably on holiday again. It was good to see David D again who has been under the weather a bit lately but good to have a chat. Not pictured was the activity of mounting three new signal posts whilst I forgot the post Crete Dave MB kindly went and purchased some so we could continue. Phil helped me with the project and signal sighting which was part of his job before retirement and then continued with leaf clearing before the next storm.
Due to forgetfulness there was plenty of time for planning discussions. Lefthand picture shows planning for the next meeting where the trench will be dug across the level crossing to carry the new cable runs which will progress in tubes around the railway as time permits. The righthand picture shows Alan A in Spinney signal box looking at the existing wiring and planning the route and boxes required for the new wiring.
The bay tree relaying project progressed but not as much as hoped as someone forgot the sleepers Robin also managed to drop a box of bolts on the stoney part of the drive but this helped fill the time picking them all out of the stones what else could we do to fill the time!
Andy can be seen testing the track bed but says it is too long but strangely comfortable but then a driver can sleep anywhere. Righthand picture shows Dave M highlighting that Andy is working.... -
With one panel already constructed it was laid in situ and checked for alignment and track bed ballasted.
The railway saw a little bit of movement in the form of two ballast wagons and Micks class 20 which he has taken home. This is where forgetfulness or old age crept in and The wrong track panel was inserted into the traverser and when the class 20 loco sat on the track nobody could move it despite several comments relating to the fact that the traverser has wheels and this track does not. Picture shows the wrong track used leaning up against the wall in the background whilst the correct traverser was located in the engine shed and put in place early signs of dementia or just cold weather as already mentioned.....
Next time
The Baytree project will progress with another panel constructed and ballasted into place whilst others help dig up the drive / level crossing.
13th January start of new year.
As this is the first meeting and news of the year I would like to wish our reader a very Happy New Year. The first meeting was a cold one but it did not dampen our spirits or humour. Ten friends made it to the railway today and were:-Alan June plus Tim Robin Nick Peter David G Dave M Dave MB Phil Andy and Paul. Thanks to Dave MB and Phil for photos for this news and June for the teas and cakes Teas doubling up as hand warmers. Nick has used his plastic three D printer to make a signal identification plate to Robins design and can be seen in the left hand picture. The branch line banner repeater has been removed from the bridge and placed on the back of the down distant signal. The corresponding block joint has also been moved to the Spinney side of the Old Oak crossing and therefore Old Oak signal number 2 will clear earlier when routed into the Old Oak sidings saving the panic braking as it used to be a short section. Right hand picture shows the group deep in thought about nothing. Whilst it was forecast to be a cold day we managed to keep warm by moving about except for Robin and Nick who had battery powered heated jackets.
Site clearance
The railway was still covered with leaves etc especially after the recent storm at the beginning of January called Henk which brought damaging winds and persistent rain. Again I was out in it as I was in the 1987 storm when Michael Fish said a woman had reported a storm was on its way but do not worry!!!!! Both times the main line railway shut down due to flooding and fallen trees. Pictures show Phil clearing the turntable at Dingly before and after and also he cleared around the Old Oak signal box and Dingly turntable. Not pictured are Dave MB and Paul who tasked themselves with clearing the tunnels and Spinney areas.
Baytree relaying
A major project which grew in length then Andy lifted some track and it was still connected with fish pates. After resleepering a panel Robin said the rails required rolling no clues as to the reply but I can't place this on the web site. The new track alignment to remove a slight dog leg joint meant that the cotoneaster bush had to be removed as it was already touching passing trains. Pictures show the developments today. I have placed a new tube under the track to carry the track circuit cables as the existing cables are too short. A trench was dug for the new tube and Tim and Robin can be seen looking into it.
Baytree point investigation
David G and Peter worked on investigating the reason why the Baytree point number 14 will not work. A battery was used to bypass the supply but there seemed to be no improvement. After much testing it has been concluded that there maybe a power supply problem from the signal box. More work required.
I have set OO2 signal ground brackets in post Crete but I have had to take the signal back home as one of the holes did not line up.
Lunch
No one called lunch we just knew we needed a hot soup or something. It was thought that eating outside would be just as warm as eating in the engine shed. Pictures show the group feasting and Sophie giving Dave M a lot of attention.
Next time
Signal BE18 and OO2 will be installed using new brackets and the Baytree relaying will continue.
9th December Start of winter maintenance
Another wet forecast for the morning but dry for the afternoon but the main stumbling point was getting there. With the M3 closed for a foot bridge to be removed and the M25 closed temporarily roads were grid locked and even I thought about turning round again and going home but I am glad I persevered as it was a good day at a leisurely pace. Nine friends made it to the railway today and were:-Alan June plus Tim Robin Peter David D Dave M Phil Andy Jamie and Henry a good attendance. Unfortunately I was unable to capture everyone together as no one would stand still long enough and there was always someone missing hence only six in the picture. Task for today was primarily leaf clearing and start to projects. Peter has finished labelling all the signals. Robin pointed to his watch so we stopped for lunch in the engine shed. Thanks to June for the teas cakes and mince pies.
Tree pruning
With guidance from Alan Dave M and Andy set about pruning trees which were causing problems especially to those which were scratching our vans when we arrived. These have been cut right back as well as others which caused clearance problems along the railway notably by the level crossing. Pictures show Andy hanging about before removal (The tree that is).
David D removed a track panel at Baytree and this has had all the old sleepers removed. The old ballast has been taken down to behind the carriage shed in readiness to be washed before reuse. Also the ground will need to be dug deeper as the new sleepers are thicker and of course a new membrane needs to be added.
Other work
Phil spent all day clearing leaves from Dingly I can only think it must have been therapeutic he did a great job. Jamie and Henry all got involved and cleared the tunnel area before working on his locomotive. Unfortunately that raised another problem as a bolt sheered despite using Plus Gas and WD 40 to free it locomotives will always give grief. Peter has taken the block instrument home which was stored in the toilet and will attempt to replace the faded block markings back ground and has also fitted the new covers over the signal sockets. I removed the concrete base for Old Oak signal number 2 in readiness to replace with the new style fixings next time. I was amazed at the amount of concrete used to hold the signal up and took two of us to lift it.
At lunch two friends admitted to reading the news so I am glad my readership has gone up 300%!!! I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year see you in 2024.
18th November Clean and put away signals
Another shaky weather forecast but in the end the rain stopped at lunchtime and just a damp day. Thirteen friends made it to the railway today and were:-Tim Heather Robin Nick Peter Mick Alan S David G David D Dave MB Dave M (All the D's again) Phil and Paul a good attendance. Task for today was primarily cleaning the signals and putting them away.
Picture on the left shows Heather washing a signal whilst the managers supervisors Quality Control and observers stand by and watch in readiness to spot an error all that is missing is the clip boards..... Thanks to June for the teas and cakes.
The signals were unbolted and some signals were showing signs of decay (sounds like my dentist). Spinney signal 11 (loop platform starter) has had its base buried in soil and ballast and has rotted and should be on the winter list for repair.
Putting the gantries away in the engine shed proved difficult as no one could remember which way they stacked despite us doing it every year. We are gradually converting all signals to be attached to the base using wing nuts but we still have some with ordinary nuts
which proved at times to be difficult to undo.
Cliff left some signal identification plates and Peter went round and fitted them to their respective signal posts. However he informs that seven signals are still without signal identification plates and plans to make them over the winter. Dave MB can also be seen with his leaf blower however I feel this time of year it is a never ending job and will require repeating at the next meeting. The water tanks were drained and the hydraulic arm from the unloading ramp was removed and stored in the Old Oak signal box. The hydraulic ram proved to be difficult to unbolt (more grease next time) and Dave M used my hammer and bent the hammer he doesn't know his own strength.
David G got Eileen ready for winter and drained the water tanks. Alan S and Mick steamed their locomotives Alan to check all was free before getting it ready for winter whilst Mick towed Dave MB on 1420 from the shed to the loading ramp as both have taken their locomotives home for maintenance.
For homework Robin has taken away Dingly point number 4 to convert to a new style of actuator and its performance will be monitored next year and if fault free other point machines will be considered for conversion. Robin also took the branch banner away for an overhaul. Peter took away Spinney number 1 signal (tunnel exit) to repair as one of the white lights is not working. He has also taken the Old Oak name board. The day ended approx 15.30 as all tasks had been completed as well as discussion about the maintenance projects.
Postscript on the storage of the gantry signals in the engine shed
We couldn't remember how the gantries should be stored hence this photo from David D to remind us next year.
The SHORT gantry goes in first.
Notice that the distant signal from the short gantry is behind.