Progress Tuesday 30th June 2015

Hi all

 

One of the warmest days of the Year brought the crowds out and the Booking Office tills ringing. We entertained a school party of 27 which meant our 1415 Tea Train required an extra coach. Thanks go to Bob Gibbons and Dan Smith who covered third man for the for the first two trains. I do not normally mention names but it is good see groups pulling together to keep the services running

The DST continued replacing the new running plate on Catherine

Iris received an A exam having covered extra mileage while 55006 was on holiday

The PWay team continued with the base for the new tank in the fuelling point, leaving the concreting till a cooler day. The pot holes in the car park have been filled in with quarry waste which will harden when damp. Please keep the speed down when driving on the approach road. Thanks to Doug for this task.

Rodney worked North of Duffield Tunnel cutting back the offending vegetation

 

                                                         Bye for now

                                                                  Mike Evans

...

Additional Supplementary Tuesday 30th June 2015

Dear all

 

I can't ignore the Permanent Way Team who where putting the final touches to the bund for the new diesel tank where the heat of the day called a halt to the interior finish.

 

And! more trams!

 

https://youtu.be/Mr1W1dDyOyc

 

Martin

Supplementary Tuesday 30th June 2015

Dear all

 

A couple of photos from today as the narrow gauge railway contributed to the enjoyment of a school group as part of their time with us and the result of John Allsop's magic on EVRA's SK.

 

A little production from the studios of Cecil B de Miller showing the Afternoon Tea Train passing through Shottle:-

 

https://youtu.be/qHZafO-hxAo

 

Only open this if you like trams!

 

https://youtu.be/q1n91pqnPQ0

 

Martin

Progress Sunday28th June

Early rain in the Gem of the Peak gave way to summer warmth as the sun broke through by the afternoon resulting a steady day at the railway with Iris in service 

Some of the regular groups were away visiting other sites, however, a strong turnout from the DMU team concentrated on the Bubble Car and also prepared some of the other units. The PWT were also seen working on their projects

The incline was tidied and checked for litter 

 

The buffet sustained the train crew and visitors, some of whom had travelled from far afield

Overall a pleasant and satisfactory day 

    

Progress Report Saturday 27th June

 

A lovely sunny day ensured a steady flow of visitors to the railway as Iris and 55006 handled the morning and afternoon Services respectively.

The Lmsca cleaned out the coaches and washed up  after last nights successful Dining train .

Down the yard The Dmu team did a FP exam on 55006 in the morning after its recent trip to Wales whilst the rest of the team carried out more renovation work on 50523.

The 8f group were to be found drilling out  the  foundation plates on the Duke as Tim Oakes painted the frame.

The  Pullman Buffet and  Model railway were both open for our visitors to enjoy.

The five inch gauge railway underwent more work to repair the damage caused to the aluminium track as well as displaying the newly repaired locomotives.

Many thanks to all staff who made it an enjoyable day.

ATB

J.Evans

__._,_.___

---

Progress Friday 26th June 2015

Dear all,

Not quite as sunny as recently but still warm. Once again lots of effort went in to the preparation of our second Shottle Soiree evening. Hours of cleaning glasses, folding napkins into flames and cutting melon ensure a top class experience for our guests.

The Tannery Team continued to progress the new Booking Office at Wirksworth and have now cut the new desk top. That is the top of a desk not a computer.

Also working hard were Team EVRA who replaced the rotten ramp top into their shop to ensure it is safe to use.

Today's pics show the largely set up table for dining and the progress in the Tannery.

Leigh

Hi all

 

Once again the sun shone on the last day of our 1950's Event which pleased the jazz band deciding to play in the open on platform 2. The Pullman Buffet have been producing 1950's lunches and today it was bangers and Mash with pea and ham soup. They had gingham table cloths and associated 1950's pictures. Thanks again to all who went the extra mile to show our visitors what the EVR is capable of producing.

The DMU group were out in force having a very positive day declaring two out of three failed units fit for traffic.    
They completed a vacuum test on EVRA's SK and then positioned it in the MF for painting.

 

                                                                      All for now

                                                                                    Mike Evans

Murder Mystery

Dear all

 

Beveley & I went on last night's Murder Mystery Train together with two friends and I have to express my great pride in our organisation in it's ability to deliver a stunning and very entertaining evening.

 

I know the hard work that went into the concept and planning and the large team that organised the event on the night.

 

Very well done to everyone involved!

 

Martin

 

Progress Wednesday 24th June 2015

Hi all

 

The weather was kind to us again today. Two warm days together in this Country is quite something !!

The second day of our 1950's Event saw once again a Jazz band on platform 2 and 1950's clothing

The PWay team split into three groups. One cementing the crack in Duffield tunnel, one continuing lining the Fuel point walls and the other oiling and greasing all the ground frames and point work at Shottle.

The DMU Group spent the day uncoupling all the units available to produce a new three car set for this evenings Murder Mystery land cruise.

55006 returned from its short holiday in Wales, but two cars at Barnsley Lane decided to argue with its trailer and then on entering our main gate the rear steering failed blocking the entrance for a short time

 

                                                                          All for now

 

                                                                                     Mike Evans
 

Progress Tuesday 23rd June 2015

Hi all

        Today Wirksworth and Duffield Stations went back in time to the 1950's. Cars and motorbikes of that era were parked outside and a Jazz band played on Platform 2. Memorabilia was displayed around the Stations and passengers and staff dressed in the appropriate attire.

         The Cream Train ran with 44 passengers enjoying our culinary delights.

          Down the yard the DST started to fix the new running plate on Catherine and were cleaning the threads on the handbrake.

          The PWT had the mixer on full throttle preparing cement for lining the inside wall of the new fuelling point

 

                                                    Bye for now

                                                              Mike Evans

 

Supplementary Tuesday 23rd June 2015

Dear all

 

Delightful to see the June and the team getting into the 50s spirit. Of course it's not an era I can remember but my dad told me about it. However, a word that Mr Gove doesn't like starting a sentence but I think it's all right, the Cecil de D Miller studios have produced another masterpiece of the Afternoon Tea Train at Idridgehay. Enjoy!

 

https://youtu.be/UPp6jnBJnDM

 

Martin

Progress report Saturday 20 June

As they say  "... when a plan comes together........."

The railway ran like clockwork today with well loaded services traversing the valley with passengers from as far away as Hampshire, Suffolk, Scotland and the Netherlands complimenting us on the cleanliness and condition of the rolling stock and especially the sights and views as the sunshine brought out the colours and contrasts in the landscape. Even the wildlife played its part giving pleasure and interest to the passengers as today's two car DMU set passed by       

Many passengers joined in the yard tours that were organised through the day

Much of the morning was spent tidying the coaching stock after the previous evenings successful dining service and the catering staff were already planning next week's culinary adventures

The 8F Group were on site with their heads down grinding their metalwork and Tim was engaged with volts, amps and sparky stuff under the First Open

The model railway seemed busy and overall a very pleasant day at the Gem of the Peak    

Progress Thursday 18th June 2015

Hi all

        A quiet Thursday with most of the DMU Group at Llangollen ensuring 55006 behaves itself in foreign lands. They usually take advantage of Thursdays when the PWay have a day off and they can shunt and fuel the units without affecting the track work maintenance.

Our website wizard besides acting as Drivers Assistant on the Diesel roster decided to empty the oil separator and remove all the silt. I have actually never seen the concrete base before. Not a job for the feint hearted !!

Thanks to Martin for covering Booking Office and Richard and Roger for covering third man at short notice. All essential vacancies to keep our railway running

 

                                                             Bye for now

                                                                                Mike

 

Progress Wednesday 17th June 2015

Hi all

 

Iris once again pottered up and down to Duffield giving our passengers a wonderful view of our Derbyshire countryside.

A track patrol between Gorsey Bank and Ravenstor was successfully completed. 
More blocks were laid on the new fuelling point.

The LCC was seen to be erecting an awning with help from other volunteers ready for our 1950's event next week.

55006 eventually left about 1700 for Llangollen.

 

                                                                                             Bye for now

                                                                                                      Mike Evans

Progress Tuesday 16th June 2015

Hi all

Duffield  had a spruce up today with lawn cutting, vegetation trimming and a picnic table repaired.

The DST repaired Henry Ellison's steam valve  and gave it some spit and polish ready for the first Friday evening soiree. all six of these dining trains are now fully booked.

The afternoon cream tea train ran again and with each one the catering staff get slicker to ensure the passengers get correctly seated.

The DMU duo gave 55006 some last minute cleaning before its departure tomorrow

 

                                                                        Bye for now

                                                                                 

                                                                                      Mike Evans

 

      

Supplementary Tuesday 16th June 2015

Dear all

 

Today's photos show the "Bubble Car" glowing with all the attention lavished upon it prior to its departure tomorrow to take a star role at the Llangollen Railway this weekend. It is a tremendous tribute to all the team who have lavished so much care on the vehicle. I am promised that the destination blinds will reflect its current home! Also shown is "Fred" of Fred and Iris fame who, between them, have cleansed our Mess Hall and refreshed our planters over many years - unsung heroes!

 

Lastly, in the office handover to the new Managing Director an "old" photo was found showing the late, unlamented, Ennis Coaches with Phil's troublesome Freelander at an early stage in our development.

 

Inevitably there is a video short for you from the site of the canal aqueduct site at Sawmills. Difficult to imagine the Cromford canal soaring above the Midland Main Line and road but one day it might be recreated!

 

https://youtu.be/JNKX_gd2nkE

 

Martin

Fwd: Progress Friday 12th June 2015

Dear all,

A day which started sunny and warm is now looking like there might be some storms on the horizon.

Anyway, it stayed dry for our 4 Drive a Diesel experience guests who sampled a 101/108 hybrid in the morning followed by 33103 this afternoon. Lunch was provided by Ann in the buffet and the two Johns played host.

A small team of PWay guys continued building the new bund wall down the yard.

Foreman Stuart spent most of the day repairing a station gate which was showing signs of rot, whilst Foremen Brian and Martin continued working on the new Wirksworth Booking Office. The attached photograph shows progress so far and whilst it is not yet a finished product it shows great developments on what will eventually be the 'front desk' serving positions for the Booking Office Clerk.

EVRA did a spot of light painting on the wooden rails that lead up to the shop and also the replacement handrail for the lamp van which had gone rotten.

The Booking Office continued to deal with bookings with the first Shottle Soiree evening just one week away. Some work on forthcoming advertising was also done as well as work to get the music system for the 1950s playing Que Sera Sera and not Jingle Bells. Speaking of Jingle Bells, yes Santa did come up today for about half hour...

Cheers,

Leigh

Supplementary Thursday 11th June 2015

Dear all

 

Driving up the valley I glimpsed Iris and it was too good to miss!

 

https://youtu.be/s--5qfQCp3k

 

I had been to Nottingham to see tram progress and some of you might enjoy a look at Bramcote Lane, Chilwell

 

https://youtu.be/neUXcoAM43E

 

Martin

Progress Thursday 11th June 2015

Hi all

 

Another successful day for our service train, once again ably handled by Iris

The booking Office continued to take bookings for the cream tea trains and Friday evening Soiree. Some of these trains now being fully booked. One party booked 40 from Idridgehay to Wirksworth. This may be the largest number of passengers joining since the opening

The DMU team produced another two car set requested by a party travelling on Saturday. They also commenced the A Exam on 55006 required before its travels. 

 

                                             Bye for now

                                                            Mike Evans

Progress Wednesday 10th June 2015

Hi all

        Our service train was easily handled by Iris and the Pullman Buffet was covered by John Evans who seems to be able to cope with any position. My thanks go to him and also Chris Beale who covered the third mans position again.

The LCC worked on the three car DMU after its work on the Diesel Gala as hauled stock

The Pway team started the day at Shottle laying loco ash to construct pathways around ground frame site and then continued unloading track parts from the Spondon project

The LMSCA continued painting the bogies on the BSK and preparing the guards van floor for levelling compound  

        

                                                Bye for now

                                                             Mike Evans

Progree Tuesday 9th June 2015

Hi all

 

Another busy Tuesday at Derbyshire's longest Heritage Railway. We ran another successful afternoon cream tea train using three MK1 maroon coaches which certainly looked better than hauled DMUs for the passenger stock.

The PWay had lessons in brick and block constructing the walls on the new fuel point. Another team continued painting the North Shottle ground frame.

The DST split into their usual two  groups fettling No3 and Henry Ellison and moving Catherines restoration forward.

A delivery of reclaimed track and chairs etc was seen arriving from Spondon in the afternoon.

55006 received some more varnish to the West side and both ends by John Allsopp 

 

                                                               Bye for now

                                                                         Mike Evans

Supplementary Tuesday 9th June 2015

Dear all

 

The photos illustrate the Permanent Way Gang constructing the bund wall for the new giant fuel tank to be installed for the diesel fleet and the results of John Allsop working his varnishing magic on the "Bubble Car".

 

As you would expect there are another couple of videos for you. The first is a very, very short piece of poor quality film from the Hopton Incline on the last day of the Cromford & High Peak Railway and the second is a little whimsy from north of Belper.

 

https://youtu.be/nIB-o4sra2A

 

https://youtu.be/Cwd7ha5Kagg

 

Martin

Supplementary Saturday 6th June 2015

Dear all

 

Another Cecil B de Miller production celebrating our two main line diesels at Ken Rowland crossing today.

 

https://youtu.be/OTbB_nEROS4

 

My tour of Wirksworth is attracting an appreciative audience!

 

https://youtu.be/fEoZrZvMNHg

 

Just shows retirement enables flights of fancy.

 

Martin

Progress Thursday 4th June 2015

Hi all

 

The Service train passengers reacted to the hotter weather and better numbers than yesterday were noted.

The PWay team over the week have erected all relevant permanent speed restriction signs and removed temporary signs at Shottle.Installation of the down starter was also completed and further painting of the north ground frame.

Lawn mowing and vegetation clearance was order of the day at Duffield  
John Allsopp worked some more magic on 55006 paintwork before its travels and the DMU Team did the usual shunting before the Weekend Diesel Gala to ensure Platform 1 is available for run round moves.

 

                                                        All the best

                                                                     Mike Evans 

Progress Wednesday 3rd June 2015h

Hi all

 

At last the sun decided to stay with us most of the day even though we had an early shower whilst I was checking a tree up the incline which one of neighbours had requested we felled it.

There was a track patrol to Gorsey Bank and weed killer was applied to the Platform at Idridgehay where saplings had turned it green'

Wednesday is stock cleaning day and the LCC gave 50599 our incline vehicle a thorough spruce.

Our lone DMU member repaired a droplight in the guardsvan  area of 51073.

It was a quiet day on the service train which is were our single railcars become economical.

 

                                                          Bye for now

                                                                   
                                                                     Mike Evans

Progress Tuesday 2nd June 2015

Hi all

 

Today saw the first of our afternoon Cream Tea trains hauled by newly arrived class 33 Swordfish. Good reports were received from the passengers regarding quality and presentation of the food. Thanks go to everyone involved in making this a successful experience.

The PWay team continued erecting a metal fencing on the Narrow Gauge under Cemetry lane bridge to ensure there is a secure area to stable the steam engine which will be visiting in July/August.

The DST applied more  paint to Catherines frames and Henry Ellison and No 3 were transposed to equalise workings.

52 volunteers and staff signed on today for duty. I wonder if any railway of our size could compete ?

 

                                                            Bye for now

                                                                     Mike Evans