4th January 2025
Happy new Year to all.
Unfortunately we ended last year with the sad loss of Millie, who can be seen in the picture above with June on a rare outing on a train. Millie was not one for riding on the trains but often ran alongside it when her mum was onboard. She was always around whenever food appeared and always greeted everyone when they arrived, usually with something that she’d like them to throw for her. Millie passed away very unexpectedly from complications after routine surgery. We’ll miss her.
Thanks to David D and G for covering me during my absence, maybe he would like to take on a permanent position!
Today was forecast as cold with ice on the windscreens, however eight hard nuts arrived and were:- June, Alan plus Tim, Dave M, Dave MB, Robin, Nick, Andy, Phil and Peter. David G said it was too cold to travel that far and will not be at the next meeting as he will be somewhere too hot. David D was missing today and this was not realised until cake plate arrived with NO flap jack.
With eight friends, a lot of progress was made, some suggest less time to stand around and chat....... Phil took on the challenge of spot sleeper replacement which is a tough challenge in the frozen ballast and wearing on the knees, even with a padded garden kneeling pad. Phil was also observed clearing out the remaining leaves from Old Oak turn table, there can't be any more leaves, surely...
David MB was observed carrying a screw driver, but not sure what for or just taking it for a walk.
The bridge railings were examined and fell off in someones hand, another fixing job. At the branch junction, work involved Nick replacing the micro switches on the sprung point as the previous switch was faulty and new one will be wired into the new wiring which is on track for the summer running, I've said it now.. As the telephones have not been used for many years and mobile phone communication has taken over, it was decided to remove the line side telephone as the support bracket had rotted away. Dave M can be seen trying to phone for a pizza or phone a friend was suggested. Andy, Dave M and Nick got involved with major tree pruning and Andy can be seen telling Dave M what to do with a saw in his hand, must be other ways of asking!!!
Changes made to the location of signals at the junction where the Baytree line joins the loop. I have made new signal support brackets for BE 1 and BE 10 signals plus inserted sleeves in the signals for the bolts to pass through. Not only were the signals repositioned, they were swapped over so that BE 1 became BE 10 (Signals are different heights and so the Identification plates were swapped over). This again was for signal sighting for drivers and the signaller in Baytree signal box. BE 10 is now repositioned on the left hand side of the track so no excuses for missing it, if you do, you will be sent to Specsavers. Peter continued installing his signal connector and support brackets.
Finally as part of the rewiring scheme, new conduit has been laid out, Peter and Dave MB can be seen threading a pull wire through the conduit. This was cleverly achieved by using a domestic vacuum creating device, otherwise referred to as a hoover, which sucked the pull wire through. Day finished with a cup of tea and a warm mince pie as the light began to fade. Thanks to June for the catering.
14th December 2024
David D again, watch out Tim!
Not so many friends present today. It was quite cold, but dry. There were even one or two brief flashes of sunlight, but they didn’t help the temperature much. Many thanks to June for the refreshments, Alan A, Andrew and Heyden were busy on other construction projects.
Friends present were:- Robin, Nick, Andy, Phil, Peter, Dave Marsh and myself. I completed my map of the defective sleepers, but had to leave early, sorry, my health is still limiting my contribution.
Dave, Nick and Andy told me they had mostly just chatted, but I have it on authority that they dug several holes (and filled in another hole that Peter had just dug!).
Peter continued the programme of replacing all the signal connector mountings, like all these tasks, it is never ending, but it will be a more robust system when completed.
Phil made a start in spot replacing defective sleepers, a monumental task, highlighted by the map I have produced. There are no seriously defective lengths requiring complete re-laying, but some of the older re-laid stretches, dating back about 20 years are beginning to show their age.
Robin made an overall survey of prospected work, possibly including a couple of short lengths on the main line that would benefit from a measure of re-alignment, and he and Peter started laying out lengths of conduit for carrying wiring through the trunking put in last time.
As deputy News Writer, may I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
30th November 2024
Well, with Tim and Heather away, I’m afraid you have to put up with my attempt at ‘The News’. It won’t be half as interesting and entertaining as Tim’s efforts, but here goes.
The weather was not bad, mostly dry, and not too cold considering the date. We were happy to have our hosts, Alan and June, in attendance, thank you June for the welcome refreshments. Also present were ‘the four Davids’, Grant, Marsh, MB and me, Alan S, Robin, Mick, Peter, Andy and Jamie. (Have I missed anyone?)
The main work undertaken was the laying into a trench a pipe so that the mice can run from one side to the other at the bridges without being squashed by the traffic. What! Oh, the mouse is so that the new signal wiring can be pulled through to extend the rewiring process. By the finish (seen on the left) you would not suspect the ground had been disturbed, well done everyone, it should now be an easy task to connect the new wiring across the gap.
This was not by any means however the only work being done, I think I have the list correct, please advise me if otherwise. Jamie and David MB worked hard to clear the immense carpet of leaves that the recent gales had brought down, including in the cutting, a truly monumental task. Peter continued the long task of repairing and replacing signal and point sockets, and also got the light in DD box working by replacing the faulty switch. (He also brought back the now functioning OO12 signal, thank you). Robin carried out an assessment of the work required this winter and then continued the task of bringing the new wiring into service. I made an initial assessment of the number of rotten sleepers around the railway, it comes to about 50 spread around, mostly in isolated cases, I have generated a map shewing their locations.
The crossing of the drive that was not rebuilt last winter is being prepared for re-building to the much improved standard of the one that was, the work there will continue.
If I have missed anything, please let me know. David D.
16th November, Pack away
It has been almost impossible to get a group photo, so the lunchtime stop will have to do. Left to right - Robin and Alan S (both standing) centre line - Heather, Peter, Dave M, Mick, Phil, righthand side - David D and David G (alleged orange coat). Jamie and Henry had to leave early and I was behind the camera, totalling 12 friends today. We must try and get one next year with everyone. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes.
Pack up
That time of year where we wash and store the signals to avoid the winter weather. It also gives us a chance to examine and identify any repairs required. A few signals need some TLC with new aspects and paint whilst some now have rotten stems. I have taken three signals home to make new bases and these are all due for repositioning. It goes without saying, the railway was covered in leaves and had to be swept up. Not in camera was Heather who concentrated on Old Oak area. Lefthand picture shows Phil changing a light bulb, so the question is - How many people does it take to change a light bulb? This signal fault turned out to be a loose wire but all signals have been checked and new bulbs are required for next year.
Winter projects
Alan S and Dave M started on the level crossing project which involved lifting the rails on the other part of the crossing and will be dug out to have the same treatment as the other line which was last years winter project. Peter continued making and installing stands to hold the electrical sockets for the points and signals.
With signals away or identified for repair, attention can be turned to the following:-
- Level crossing
- Spot sleeper replacement
- Trench across the road at the bridge
- New wiring trunking from Baytree
- New design for a water tower at Dingly
- Signal repairs