Archive News Summer 2023
4th November final running day
Today should have been the pack up day with fish / pie and chips to round off the season but due to bad weather the previous meeting was cancelled and it was decided to run for the last time today and Alan A had invited some guests. Today also almost did not happen as the weather forecast also looked miserable with heavy rain at the start of the day but luckily by 11.00 the rain stopped and we were able to run trains. Thanks to Cliff who returned the signal identification plates these will need to be attached to their corresponding signals as part of the winter maintenance programme. Leaves are coming down in abundance and the leaf blowers were busy as well as clearing the gutters on the carriage shed roof. As the rails were damp it was decided to treat them to allow the locomotives to get a grip. The picture shows me driving backwards (after checking line clear) and laying the sandy mixture from an ice cream tub with a hole cut in it. I just had to remember where the bends were so that I did not over balance and fall off. Paul did not run 1470 locomotive but did spend a lot of time repairing the hand water pump which broke last time. Ten friends today and were Alan June plus Tim Heather Dave MB David D Phil Robin Jamie Henry Peter and Paul a good turnout considering the original weather forecast. The signal boxes were operated by the usual suspects:- Old Oak – David D Baytree – Phil Dingly – Peter Spinney - Robin and they remained in their signal boxes after tea as we only ran for a short time. Peter mentioned that the crib sheet at Dingly had an error on it maybe this can be checked prior to putting the signals away. A few points played up the usual Spinney 7 and 9 points which then worked perfectly without touching them and 5B points at Dingly were not throwing fully across in reverse and therefore no detection. Thanks to Phil for sending me a photo which I have included in this news and to June for the teas and cakes and organising the fish / pie and chips. Alan June Phil. David D and Sue D Peter Heather and myself stayed for the food afterwards with plenty to talk about.
Visitors
Four locomotives seen out today and were:- Scott Line 1420 Brunel and Spinney electric. As can be seen in the pictures the atmospheric conditions made driving a steam locomotive very difficult at times as visibility was very poor. Dave MB did several laps and hauled the freight stock from Spinney to Dingly and return at the end of the day. The visitors came from Winchester area and were impressed by the railway and had a good time including having a drive of Scott Line and the Spinney electric. They also had a look in Dingly signal box but I was unable to get a picture apparently it was quite crowded as they all tried to get in at once.
Next time
Hopefully with weather permitting we can wash and put away the signals. It will also be a good idea to discuss the winter plan.
P.S.
I forgot to mention that Peter was controller for the day and his most important job was to call for LUNCH.... Under his leadership all went well and he informs me that he has chosen Dave MB to be controller for the first time we run in 2024 whether we remember that will be another thing or if Dave MB knows this.
21st October Cancelled
Unfortunately with only six friends available this meeting has had to be cancelled as it was decided not enough friends to be able to run a railway. Next meeting will be 4th November and fish and chips afterwards.
7th October more visitors
A hot day to start with then cooled down but not enough to stop trains and with 19 visitors booked a good time had by all. Twelve friends today and were Alan June Eric Louise and baby plus Tim Heather Mick Alan S Dave MB David G Phil Robin Jamie Henry Peter and Paul. Leaves are beginning to fall this time of year so leaf blowing was in order and site tidy up as usual as well as fix repairs. Good to see the signal box check lists being used and all signal boxes ready for when we start running good planning and it also gets the new signallers used to the individual characteristics of each signal box. I was controller and we ran the first train at 12.40 is this a record even if it was only a transit move with Scott Line hauling Jamie's loco from Old Oak to the loco shed. Henry can be seen driving Scott Line. However at least we were ready for the guests when they promptly arrived. Most of them did not know what to expect and were amazed at what you can fit into a garden. Thanks to June for the teas cakes and BBQ where Alan A could be seen walking around like a cinema usherette trying to give away ice creams.
Loco news
Seven locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Scott Line Royal Scot 1420 1470 Kate and Karen as the pictures show unfortunately I was unable to capture Paul on his 1470 as he retired early due to a broken part on his water pump nor did I get young Matthew driving the Royal Scot. Dave managed to fix his water gauge glass after much frustration and then enjoyed the fact that he was able to steam his 1420 locomotive and trundle around the railway. As mentioned above we did a transit move towing Jamie's locomotive up to the loco shed where he prepared it for a boiler hydraulic test unfortunately his whistle valve stuck open so was unable to progress any further. L94 can be seen at Spinney with a full load and it worked hard on the gradients. Mick allowed a visitor to drive Kate as can be seen leaving Old Oak and was also spotted in Baytree siding which has not been used for a very long time. (Picture in pictures section).
S & T news and Visitors
Robin fixed the track circuit problem from last time by re bonding with new cable and Peter replaced the missing L' from the Old Oak name plate which he found buried in the vegetation below the sign. In the signal boxes today were:- Old Oak – Peter (Resident David D not available today) Baytree – Phil Dingly – David G Spinney - Robin and Mike and they remained in their signal boxes after tea. Mike has visited before and was tempted back to try signalling with Robin showing him the ropes sorry levers. As can be seen the visitors spent more time in the signal boxes than driving which is unusual.
Next time
Please check the web site and emails regarding the next booked meeting.
23rd September Wimbourne visitors
The weather stayed fine to make an enjoyable day with many trains running to keep the signallers busy. Fourteen friends today and were Alan June plus Tim Heather Mick Alan S Dave M Dave MB David D Phil Robin Nick Andy Jamie Henry and Paul a good turnout as we had visitors to entertain. Before running the site was tidied as usual and the coaching stock moved into Old Oak platforms. Dave M exhibited his Ivatt which he has been working on for the past five years excellent progress. Picture shows Dave M testing that it goes through the points. Unfortunately the springs will require adjusting as the leading wheels rode up look forward to seeing it next time. As no controller was chosen Robin the default controller took on the responsibilities. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes.
Loco news
Six locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Class 20 1105 1470 Royal Scot and Dave M locomotive. As the pictures show plenty of trains hauling coaches which is a good sight to see.Paul was pleased with his 1470 locomotive and I have not seen it out for so long before. My repairs to my driving wagon were unsuccessful and I had to substitute and use David G driving truck. However the injectors became troublesome and I dropped the fire before teatime. Dave MB can be seen having his 1420 locomotive having a boiler test. Class 20 derailed at Dingly but no further information on that.
S & T News
Only one picture as the signal boxes were operated by usual crowd and I could just use pictures from last time also the friends remained in the same signal boxes after tea. In the signal boxes today were:- Old Oak – David D Baytree – Phil Dingly – Henry and Jamie Spinney - Robin. Next time will be different as David is not available and Old Oak will require manning. Hopefully I have a visitor who can help he has been with Robin in Spinney and seems interested. Old Oak signal box identification sign has lost an 'O' and now reads 'O D OAK' job for someone. Spinney and Baytree both reported track circuit problems and Spinney was traced to a broken wire amazing that Robin can operate Spinney box with all the bells sounding and still find time to look for a broken wire. Henry under supervision from Jamie did a good job in Dingly as the picture shows. Sorry I did not get more pictures or information but was looking after the visitors.
Visitors
Eight visitors from the Wimbourne club who run a 5 inch gauge railway were on the books to attend today but only four turned up which gave them more time to drive and enjoy the railway. One has been before and is someone I communicate with at work whilst another is full time staff at the Swanage railway. We are more than welcome to visit and dates can be found on their web site in due course. There was another visitor not associated with Wimbourne who was observed taking many photographs. All said how much they enjoyed the day and a thank you to everyone at Spinney.
Next time
Next meeting will be 7th October where I expect the weather to be getting colder.
9th September Sweltering hot day.
A sweltering hot day and with road closures and heavy traffic most of us had extended journey times with Alan S and David G taking three and a half hours what an endurance test. Photo above shows almost everyone not David G as he took too long to join us. In the picture are:- Nick Robin Dave M June Henry Jamie Heather Peter Dave MB Alan A Alan S Matt Richard (Guest) David D and myself behind the camera totalling 15 friends and one guest. A good number and with David D as controller we had enough signallers and were in steam and running by 14.00. We did do some shunting using Scott Line to get the coaches out at Old Oak and place in the platform ready for start time. Thanks to Heather and Jamie for the photos they sent and to June for the teas cold drinks ice creams cakes and the BBQ at the end of the day. The right hand picture shows steaming up at Old Oak I wonder how this would comply if we were in the ULEZ area which has just come in!!! I have included many pictures as so as to capture as many people as possible.
Davids fault
Loco news
Six locomotives ventured out today and were:- L94 Scott Line 1420 73115 Lister and 33029. Dave MB has persevered and progress meant he was able to run 1420 for most of the afternoon good to see it running. Alan A had a drive on Eileen Grant locomotive and also in the pictures David G can be seen driving with a watering can unusual thing to do! Dave M ran his standard 73115 but retired early due to steaming issues. Alan S worked on Karen but did not steam. L94 reversed down the branch at the end of the day and unfortunately I turned round to speak to Jamie lost my balance causing the driving wagon to derail and throw me off. Wagon stripped down for rebuild as there is a lot of damage. Hopefully repaired for next time.
S & T News
In the signal boxes today were:- Old Oak – David D Baytree – Peter Henry and Jamie Dingly – Richard (Guest) Spinney - Robin after tea - Old Oak – David D Baytree – Robin Dingly – Peter Spinney - Matthew. No problems finding signallers today which made life easy for David D who was controller for the first time. The new signal box check sheets were used and worked extremely well. Pictures show as many signallers as I could capture and the Spinney track diagram from when Robin was operating there. It shows a back log of trains due to no response from Baytree causing every thing to come to a stand at Spinney. Botton left hand picture shows Robin at Spinney and L94 in the little used siding. Also to note Old Oak signal box was down to zero tokens in the machine whilst Spinney token machine was full. This occurred because more locomotives started from Old Oak today possibly a first time this has happened and what would we have done had there been another train to go up the branch?
Next time
We have visitors from the Wimbourne club (possibly 9) some of whom have been before so hopefully we can have another day like today but without the road traffic problems and my derailment.
12th August friends and families day.
After a short lunchtime shower it was a dry / warmish day. In order to capture as many people as possible I have included more pictures than normal in this news and they also show how busy we were. They say a picture paints a thousand words. It was good to see so many coaches out and being used. Being friends and families day we had 24 visitors which included:- Hugh B-D Marian Baigent plus her daughter Helen and husband. Also it was good to see Tom Z and his better half (don't leave it so long before your next visit). Ten friends today and were Alan June Hayden plus Tim Heather Peter W Dave D David G Robin Alan S Mick Phil Matt. Matt came by train from Birmingham and walked from Farnham station dedication or couldn't remember who to phone for a lift. David G was controller and got things moving and with lunch on the go whilst we steamed up the first train left Old Oak at 13.18. Thanks to June for the teas cakes and BBQ and a special mention to Hayden who helped June enormously.
Loco news
Eight locomotives appeared today and were:- L94 Scott Line Royal Scot Kate Karen George the fifth 2663 class 20 and Spinney electric for brief movements between loco shed and Dingly. All visitors managed to have rides and worth noting is that L94 was first off the starting line at 13.18 (OK Heather steamed it).
S & T News
The new check list is still in the making as David D found more information at add. When completed this document will allow anyone to follow step by step instructions as to how to power up and check all points and signals. Some checks involve track circuit clips to simulate a train in section. In the signal boxes were Old Oak - David D Baytree - Phil then Robin Dingly - Matt then Phil and Spinney - Robin then Matt. All signallers were happy except for David D who was ecstatic at remaining in his resident signal box. Phil moved to Dingly after tea as he said it was a quieter signal box however it turned out to be busier than normal with so many trains and shunting required (Picture shows all roads in use which is very unusual). Pictures show all the signallers and visitor Mike who can be seen exchanging the token with Alan and enjoyed operating the Spinney signal box under instructions from Robin. Matt enjoyed himself and hopes to visit again this year work permitting. Thankfully the signalling worked as expected however we need to check all the spring points as some are showing signs of wear and in need of adjusting or levelling.
After running trains
A very good turnout for the BBQ with as many visitors as friends 20 in total. David D will be controller for the next meeting.
29th July Warm and Sunny
The attendance website indicated that only a few members would attend. Tim and Heather had Covid and Alan S had his wedding anniversary. However as it turned out there were lots of visitors and with three visiting engines they made the day worthwhile. Most of us were present before 11:00 but it was almost 14:00 before any engine ventured out. But so what if we all were happy!
Here are the visiting engines all lined up at Old Oak (at 11:58 by my camera). Nearest the camera is "County of Chester - a loco of some age built in the 1950s (!) but rebuilt since and looking very good in its pristine paintwork. Next is an Adams Radial 30583 and finally a loco we have seen several times 31873 a Maunsell N Class.
There were no S & T or track failures to fix but a shower of rain intervened and lunch took place mostly in the engine shed.
Mick's first job was to explore a leak in his vacuum brake pipework and the picture shows him busy at his task outside the shed. He was greatly helped by Ian one of our visitors who was immediately able to identify all the parts of the brake system and point Mick in the right direction.
The visitors were Andy Alan and Rich Gelson and Ian Allen all from Tree Tops.
During tea Peter rewired SY102 so the single yellow now shows correctly. Alan A. sorted a points problem at Dingly.
e mail from Tim :
Hi David
After three days in bed I am now up and about waiting for a negative result. Heather now feeling ill
we will both test again tomorrow. Yesterday there was a heavy downpour and I thought it might be cancelled
but it turned out to be a glorious day. Hope you all had a good time and ran without too many issues. Looking forward to friends and family day.Tim
Several other pictures reached me (thank you) and I have put them in Summer Running
15th July 2023 - Cancelled
Rain stopped play. Due to the forecast stating heavy rain showers and high winds the decision was made to cancel as it can be a long journey to get wet. Hopefully better luck next time.
1st July 2023 - Alan's visitors
Alan A invited some work colleagues so we hoped for good weather and a working railway and we got both. Although it rained when setting off from home it became a very pleasant day and Andrew had been working on the railway signalling during the week ensuring we did not have a re run of the previous two running days where we were plagued with signalling issues. The day began as usual with a tidy up and various jobs (mentioned later) and Jamie found the slow worm shown in the picture between the two tunnels. We also have a resident mouse in that area and it has a small cave in the brick work. I saw it and so has June. Slow-worms (Anguis fragilis) can live for up to 30 years and feed on a variety of invertebrates but are especially partial to slugs (Educational news). Ten friends today and were `Alan June Andrew Hayden plus Tim Heather Peter W Dave D David G Robin Alan S Mick Phil and Jamie. We also had a visit by Amanda and Nick with Olivia and Jack plus Louise and Eric with a first visit by baby Zachary who is only 12 weeks old. An early introduction to railways long may it last. Lunch was called but because Cliff was not coming our timing was out and Jamie and Peter W had lunch as we finished ours - disjointed. Robin the default controller was nominated for the day hence another reason things ran smoothly. Alan A work colleagues arrived from 13.30 and we had trains in steam and all hauling passenger coaches. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes. This was probably the best running day we have had this year.
Nostalgia
At tea June produced these two pictures showing Alan A Alan S Mick and David G memories.... How times have changed on all of us. It is good to cover a historical record of socialising as well as working or running a railway.
Locomotive News
Mick returned Kate to the railway unfortunately when filling up with water the locomotive developed a leak which was traced to a broken joint. Alan S managed to replace an olive and silver solder and the locomotive performed effortlessly for the rest of the day. Mick had spent many hours polishing the brass work and replaced the wooden flooring in the cab. Six locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Scott Line Karen Kate Royal Scot and Spinney electric and four can be seen in the loco line up at Baytree whilst we had tea.
S & T News
David D and Phil have been working on a signal box check list so that all signallers can take on the role of checking the signalling prior to running as required. After todays run through a few alterations require to be added but good work and a good idea and these check lists need to be available in each signal box. In the signal boxes today were:- Old Oak – David D Baytree – David G then Phil after tea Dingly – Phil then David G and visitors after tea Spinney – Robin all reported that things ran smoothly. Phil was given a brief introduction to Baytree then left to self learn. Spinney signal SY102 on approach to the first tunnel can be seen displaying a single yellow. Other friends did not notice the yellow is displayed in the wrong aperture but when showing Peter who wired it he said he would swap the red and the green and see if anyone noticed!!!! We had a surprise visit by Malcolm – grandson of Joseph and Mary Ballantine-Dykes – who can be seen in the Dingley box picture with David G in a full Dingly signal box showing the intricacies of the box no room to move around.
Next time
Back to a quiet normal running session and hopefully good weather.
17th June 2023 - Pimlico visitors
In readiness for our visitors we had a big tidy up as can be seen. Visitors today were from Pimlico railway in Northamptonshire (not the Victoria line area) who turned out to be very interesting and a delightful group of visitors. They also brought the weather with them as it was a scorching hot day we were lucky with the weather as thunder storms forecast for Sunday. Fourteen friends today and were June Andrew Hayden plus Tim Heather Peter S Peter W Dave D Dave MB David G Cliff Robin Nick Alan S Mick Andy and Phil. Lunch was called approx 12.50 in order to be ready for our visitors and ironically the only person missing was Cliff as he was attending to his locomotive and arrived as we finished. I was controller again up until 16.00 where upon David G took over.
As mentioned in the last news Robin briefed those who wish to signal the checks required for each signal box to ensure all is or is not working correctly. David D has produced a check list but not sure how this transpired. With this weather the shrubbery has grown so much that it is starting to cover or encroach onto the track so pruning was required with strict instructions as to what could or must not be cut. The picture on the left shows Heather cleaning the Spinney signal box and the others checking all the points and removing debris which was preventing full movement. Unfortunately I had to leave at 16.00 so cannot report on later activities. Thanks to Nick for pictures and to June for the teas and cakes.
Pimlico visitors
As mentioned earlier six visitors came to visit and their history is very similar to ours where one of them has a house with land and a 5 inch gauge railway within it. They were very interested so see how we managed and ran the railway and infrastructure. I gave those that wanted a guided tour of the railway whilst one of them remained with Dave MB as he is interested in 14XX locomotives. During the tour they were impressed with the infrastructure and the cutting stating how they had tried but gave up even though it was smaller. One of them is a signaller and took to operating Dingly Dell very easily which was just as well as after 16.00 we were short of signallers. They also managed a ride and thanks to Mick for allowing a visitor to drive his class 20 locomotive. It turned out that he was new to the hobby and knew very little so it was a good morale booster.
Loco news
Six locomotives ventured out today and were:- 30089 1420 Karen Clan Line class 20 and Spinney electric although Dave MB is still struggling with injector problems on his 1420.
Mick and Cliff hauled coaches so that our visitors could have a ride as all others were freight or light locomotive.
Nick ran with wagons that looked pristine and he has just finished building them from scratch with more in the pipe line. Look forward to seeing more wagons.
S & T News
In the signal boxes were Old Oak - David D Baytree - Peter S Dingly - Phil and Spinney - Robin and Andy who is learning. Unfortunately we suffered signalling issues again and this meant David G was fault finding and for most trains it was stop start and for some reason trains were not being sent to Dingly making that area very quiet. Phil did enjoy signalling the shunting which was required when Nick arrived with his freight stock and the brake van had to be marshalled to the rear of the train. At Old Oak the outer home signal (002) did not work when the route was set to the yard and it appears to be linked to a timer which we do not really need.
Next time
Next time we have visitors again and will require more than one train hauling coaching stock to give rides. Hopefully the signalling can be fixed for better running.
3rd June 2023 - Glorious sunny day
The weather was glorious with sun and heat should not complain if summer has arrived. Firstly I must thank David D for taking on writing the news last time it just shows it is sometimes difficult to capture all the events and include everyone well done. Twelve friends today and were Alan June plus Tim Heather Peter S Peter W Dave D Dave MB David G Cliff Robin Alan S Phil and Jamie. Cliff arrived at 12.30 so should we make this the new lunchtime especially if we have visitors as we do at the next two events? Jobs in the morning included Alan S refitting the locating bolt into the concrete for the heavier bridge. Also in progress was clearing the line in and between the tunnels clearing the turntables and any other debris found on the line. I was nominated to be Controller. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes. Unusually we did not stop for afternoon tea and kept going until we packed up from about 17.15 having started with the first train at 13.57 (Scott Line although L97 was in steam).
Four locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Scott Line Clan Line and Karen. Whilst Karen is not pictured in this sub heading Alan S can be seen in through the vegetation in the garden heading. All locomotives ran well except Clan Line which had a brake problem when the brake handle came off in his hand. Unfortunately two SPADs to report and by the same person is he Cliffs apprentice!! Possible cause was probably distraction through relaxing and chatting.
S & T News
A lot of action to report in this section and in the signal boxes were Old Oak - Peter W Baytree - Peter S Dingly - Phil and Spinney - Robin. All except Robin are self learning the quirks of the signal boxes and today was no exception as they went through periods of no trains then all trains arriving at once. We had signalling issues at the start because the signal boxes had not been checked. With this in mind I have asked Robin to check each signal box next time and if you are a signaller please join him and learn what needs to be done before lunchtime so we do not rely on one person. As the signal boxes were not checked we had to revert to using flags as can be seen in the picture above.
A special mention must be made to Alan A and David G who worked tirelessly all morning and afternoon trying to fix major signalling issues. David G report as follows:- Spinney signal 18 - The signals beyond the gate depend on miniature relays in the cable boxes by the track. The relay for signal 18 had failed. Replacing it fixed that signal. Unfortunately disturbing the relay for signal 18 disturbed the relay for signal 17 which subsequently failed. Alan A hopes to replace that relay during the evening. The track circuit for the up line between Bay Tree and Spinney failed and was fixed by re-terminating a corroded joint at the rail. The down line Track Circuit after Spinney signal 6 failed. This was fixed by Andrew in April but failed again today. The feed to it is by a series of joined wires which we were unable to trace today. It remains an outstanding job. Several points at Dingly stuck or went into oscillation. Providing there is power to the point these faults are possible to correct by adjusting the limit switches. Hopefully more friends can be trained to make such adjustments or assessment of the problem.
Garden pictures
I have added these pictures as it shows a sunny day and the garden in splendour Alan S can be seen through the bush. Both Clan Line and L94 look good in the sun hopefully more of the same next time.
Next time
As mentioned in the S & T news Robin will be checking signal boxes work prior to lunch and if you are interested in signalling please tag along with him to see what needs to be done before running trains.
Next time we need to have everything checked and working as we have Pimlico visiting us. Therefore a prompt start after lunch.
13th May 2023 - News Editor : David Daines
A new ‘news editor’ this time
Tim and Heather were off away enjoying themselves
and I drew the ‘short straw’ to attempt to write the news (that’s my penance for proof reading). I apologise in advance if I have missed anyone
or not reported on any important work carried out. I am sure I can only aspire to reach the high standard Tim has set.
The day started quite cloudy and rather cold but
as we were having lunch
the sun broke through and it turned out to be a very pleasant Spring day.
Friends present were:- June and Alan
plus
Mike
Robin and Nick
Alan S
Cliff
Peter Sturt
Peter W
Dave M
Dave MB
David G and Me
David D.
The morning had friends tidying up generally as well as looking into challenges and concerns carried over from our first running day last time.
Loco news
The following engines were in action today; Karen Clan Line (did Cliff have a steaming problem?) 1420 the Class 20 and the Dave Marsh’s Class 08. Dave Mowat’s 1420 had problems very sad as it had appeared to be going so well (running on oil?) last time.
S & T News
In the signal boxes today were:- Old Oak – Peter W
Baytree – Nick
Dingly – Peter Sturt
Spinney – Robin and me until 3:00
but then
as Peter W had to leave
I took over in OO from him.
There were a number of signalling ‘challenges’ this time
some carried over from our last meeting.
Peter W looked into the failed colour light at Spinney. He was able to rig up a temporary signal while he worked on replacing the failed LED
to be restored to position next time.
David G and Alan A set to to fix problems with Baytree BE1 and BE10. BE1 was easily fixed
but BE10 was much more intransigent and appears to be associated with the wiring running via the point BE4. A temporary fix has been made
take care not to disturb exposed wiring
final resolution of this may be deferred until end of season.
You can (just) see the wire in the pictures above. David and Alan then moved on to the persistent problem with the TC on the engine shed road giving constant ‘line occupied’. This also seemed to be a wiring problem and was fixed
though another TC problem at Dingly may persist. SY18 was still out of action
and this set a particular situation in Spinney box where caution was required not to have trains simultaneously accepted from both Baytree and the branch. One or two other minor ‘glitches’ occurred during the day including a weird situation with the single line instrument in OO where the plunger did not quite return fully out to its rest position after making a stroke and this completely locked up the instruments and stopped the branch. Once the fault was identified it was possible to resume.
29th April 2023 First running day of the season
A splendid warm day and plenty of activity attended by fourteen friends who were:- June Andrew Hayden plus Tim Heather Alan S Mick David D David G Dave M Dave MB Andy Peter S Robin Nick Phil and not forgetting Cliff who turned up earlier than expected (as he did last time) so we had to wait a bit longer for lunch. Thanks to June for the teas and cakes and to David G for the S & T update.
A lot of work required to get the railway up and running signalling issues (see S & T News) removing debris from the track erecting a garden storage box and installation of the second step at the loco shed. Pictures show Alan S who has made the second step out of metal and removable for the winter. The only thing missing is the yellow and black hazard stripes!!!!!! Nick is inspecting the work. June had purchased a garden storage box which Andy and Dave M constructed. This was placed on the paving slabs near the loco shed area which Alan S had laid the the previous meeting. Picture shows the storage box being constructed by the hard working duo and this will be used to store locomotive lighting equipment i.e. wood etc.
Today was our first run of the season and we had enough signallers and locomotives to have a good day.
Loco news
Eight locomotives on track today and were:- L94 Scott Line Karen Dave M tank Nick dock tank class 20 1420 and Spinney electric. I was the first on the track with Scott Line so took it cautiously and stopped several times to remove branches from the line however I must have missed one as I derailed on the approach to Spinney signal box. Bricks and metal bar used to re rail. I also derailed when on my steam L94 locomotive when the branch line points decided to change underneath me. This was traced to the bearing bolt becoming loose. Once fully tightened there was no re occurrence of the oscillating points. Nick somehow derailed after leaving the first tunnel and unbeknown at the time he had severed a wire causing the signal between the two tunnels (SY 101) to remain at red. Nick later made a temporary repair by twisting wires together and signal SY 101 worked after that. Hayden was seen out with the Spinney locomotive. Cliff tried to steam Clan Line but it never ventured out on to the running line don't know what the problem was. It was good to see Dave MB out with his 1420 and he has spent a lot of time adjusting the hydrostatic lubricator and this time it had certainly worked judging by the colour of his arms and face.
S & T News
Before running point 7 at Spinney (Branch) was mechanically stuck and debris in blades - fixed. Point 20 at Dingly was also mechanically stuck - nudged and now free and fixed - but wet inside needs to be dried out. Bay Tree track circuits on the down main - long standing issue from last year. This took most of the time as wiring was made up of several cables between distribution boxes. Any identity labels on the cables put there in 2001 had long since gone. Problem was found to be a short length of cable between two distribution boxes with broken cores. One spare core was intact and used to fix. Whilst fixing the Track Circuit wires for the colour light signals on the down main were disturbed failing the signals. Outstanding - Bay Tree 10 signal was working but stopped working during the day Spinney 17 signal did not work and was not fixed.
I have made new ground posts for Baytree 18 and Old Oak number 2 signal which will be installed either later this year or part of the winter project. These signals now have aluminium sieves for the bolts to pass through and wing nuts so no spanners required when removing.
A lot of action to report in the signal boxes Old Oak - David D and Peter S Baytree - David G Dingly - Phil and Spinney - Robin Andy and David D. David D taught Peter S the operation of Old Oak before letting him loose on his own and venturing up to Spinney and joining Robin and Andy. Robin was teaching Andy and David D and can be seen pulling his hair out!!!! It was good to see they managed to adopt main line standards and stop every train they could at a signal or two. It didn't help that SY 18 signal was not working and all drivers instructed to pass at danger plus other operational problems already mentioned. Pictures also show Peter S in Old Oak and Phil in Dingly.
Next time
Only one running day due to all the public Bank Holidays and on going signalling issues require attention.