Level Crossing completed and Electrical Enhancement
Level Crossing
This project was a development from the previous winter when the level crossing track was lifted in connection with installing a conduit for new electrical cable. The objective now was to provide a stable base for the track. Alan S constructed this base, a grid of rectangles, from a variety of lengths of square plastic section, about 50 x 50mm. The track was then secured to this base and concrete was added to cover the grid. The exposed surface is wood; three planks one each side of the rails and one between the rails.
Electrical
Surface Work
The project to lay new cables down from Spinney box, started last winter, was completed when the branch point at the gate was connected to the new cables.
This winter we continued by laying new cable up from Baytree and round the main loop. The work included some track circuit modifications. The objective of both projects was (1) to renew the existing buried cable, (2) to lay this cable in plastic conduit and (3) to provide large connection boxes at strategic places. Significant work included burying a large pipe by the bridges as a conduit for cable from Bay Tree to the main line. It was this year that a telephone at the main line colour light signal (SY6) was removed. The bell push at the Bay Tree main line junction signal for drivers to request a change of route was re-instated,
The picture shows the interior of a connection box: note the sliding disconnection links - invaluable when fault finding.
Robin deserves special mention, working at home building the connection box wiring and making frequent mid week visits to progress the work.
Bay Tree Signal Box
Andrew was in charge of modifications here making changes to reflect the track circuit alterations noted above.
Andrew, as a professional signal engineer, has become invaluable as the only person who can fully understand the wiring within the signal boxes.
Alan A provided new track circuit power supplies.
Earthworks
Dave M was in change here. the picture shows Andy at work at just one of the locations where wood was used to prevent earth coming on to the track. This is just the sort of work that give the Railway a professional appearance.
Dingly Water Tower and Ash Drop
The picture on the left shows Alan S at work on the water tower project. Before Alan started the water butt stood on a plinth of concrete, functional but hardly pleasing.
Here we see Alan completing the brickwork that now provides the plinth, In the summer a more authentic railway casing will conceal the butt.
The right hand picture shows another of Dave M's earthworks completed this winter, retaining the rails to the Dingly ash drop
Odds and Ends
Signal BE1 was moved to the left of the track.
The compressor failed. A nudge of centrifugal starter switch cured it. Consult Alan A if recurs.
Phil renewed sleepers and walkway wood & exhaustively tested the signalling, revealing some "interesting" features.
The railings on the bridge over the branch were replaced.
David Daines - another long standing friend of the Railway passed away
The pictures show David as we remember him; at work in the winter cleaning Spinney platform and as the custodian of Old Oak box. David was synonymous with Old Oak! We will miss him.
Millie and Sally
Another sad loss was Mille (on the left) who died this winter. Although Millie could never be replaced, we now have Sally at the Railway. Sally is another chocolate Lab, seen here being looked after by Sophie
On the pictures page, click on a thumbnail to see a larger version of each picture