Friday 30th November 2007

Dear all

 

The main event of the day was the reception of a paying guest testing two vehicles. This involved loading 30 concrete sleepers at Wirksworth as a test load, they were discharged at Duffield for further use as test weights.

 

The Booking Hall took the first confirmed group booking for Idridgehay and welcomed a few visitors. There was also the first response to our mail shot this week for two first class seats on the first public train to Idridgehay.

 

The Buffet Car was prepared for the weekend and the Mess Hall had a good clean up.

 

All in all, a good day.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Thursday 29th November 2007

Dear all

 

A day of crossings. The gate post holes at Idridgehay were stoned and tarmaced so that the surface is flush with the road. During the process further tidying up work was undertaken and back at base various finishing pieces were worked on including the gate bolts for fitting next Tuesday.

 

At Gorsey Bank the VCT turned their attention to applying the last of the white undercoat to the gates in somewhat difficult conditions and the project is approaching completion with just the south side wicket gate to be fitted.

 

Opportunity was taken for further driver training on Claire and after travelling to and from Idridgehay a couple of times the Idridgehay toilet "building" was discharged at the Maintenance Facility for possible conversion into an oil store. A case of a recycling machine being recycled?

 

To complete the round up a further section of narrow gauge track was assembled and Nottingham Castle had its dungeon added - the mind boggles.

 

The Booking Hall welcomed a few visitors and dealt with the first phone calls as a result of yesterday's mail out - a good sign.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Wed 28th Nov

Evenin' all,

The works train left early with a good compliment of staff, carrying
the gates for Idridgehay Level Crossing. They were delivered, using
'Claire' in its debut role as works engine. The gates were
manhandledninto position and fitted perfectly (would you expect
otherwise?) Some further fitting out is required during the next few
days, but at least they are operational. Once again yellow plant was
first across. Before anyone asks, On Track Plant does constitute a
train.

A new firm, to us, visited and carried out testing of a new trailer.
It had two trips up and down the line with final brake testing in the
yard in the dark - most exciting.

Elsewhere, more work on the interior of the Incline coach, the
'Sherrif' continued to build Nottingham Castle,aided and abbetted by
his Made Marian, asopposed to Maid Marian. The Booking hall had more
requests for Santa trips as well as a few visitors.

Phil

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Tues 27th Nov

Evenin' all,

Ah! The roar of the Grease paint and the smell of the crowd.

Two customers had paid for and loaded up with firewood by 0830.
meaning more to be chopped up this morning.

The VCT team were busy at Gorsey bank, adding one of the staff gates,
and prepping work for the other, as well as some fencing work. During
the afternoon a start was made on painting the Level Crossing gates
themselves, a lovely shade of white. This not only covered up work by
some local feckless ne'er-do-well, who decided to start painting the
gates for us, it also meant that when the per way team came back from
their toils, the paint was still wet, but hey ho, seeing as my hands
were covered in grease, I got my own back.

Per way continued their task of fish plate greasing, completing
another 12 panels, so we are now one joint short of 40 steps (or
however many there are), some ballast regulating was also achieved. We
were joined by one of the Loco engineerinng team who wanted some
excitement, and wanted to see what the track looked like from ground
level.

More progress was made on the Narrow Gauge line with another couple of
panels being built up.

In Mick's play pen, Idridgehay gates saw more work and the fitting of
bits of hinges and things.

Admin wise, a further meeting regarding the TBTC testing, with another
loco coming next week (no. I dont know - watch this space, or come on
down to see it). The quote for repairs to Barnsley Lane bridge has been
recieved. The begging bowl will be passed out shortly! Next week's
paying quest is now coming early tomorrow morning.

Work tomorrow will require all hands to transport the gates from
Wirksworth to Idridgehay and to hang 'em. plus to collect the old
toilet block, and anti Tresspass guards - for dropping off at the first
accomodation crossing north of Idridgehay.

Phil

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Monday 25th November 2007

Dear all

 

The day has been quite productive with Phil and I trying to understand why the road/rail lorry has proved to be prone to derailment. With the experience gained from the many machines that visit us for testing we found that by lowering the tyre pressure the vehicle was able to negotiate all our point work and raised check rail to enable a whole line weed treatment programme. The only thing that defeated it was a diamond crossing at the north end of the Yard at Wirksworth where further research is necessary.

 

Back at base the Booking Hall fielded the phone calls inviting us to take a number of solutions to boost our profits but offering no hard cash.

 

Musing on the energy devoted to sourcing the mystery photo, I have to say (and it's your fault Vince Morris) that we have a very tall order to meet our desire to open the line to Idridgehay on Saturday 8th March - it will need all hands to the pump to achieve this - so please leave your keyboard alone and join us to achieve a physical result. If the physical is difficult please put your money in an envelope to help us ensure the next milestone is met.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Progress Report Saturday the 24th November 2007

Dear all,

A day of perishing parts which saw the engineers in attendance to the
routine maintenance of the 03s, the class 31 and Claire. Work proceeded
on the advancement of the narrow gauge in the morning, which also saw
the construction of a new bench for the top of the incline at Ravenstor,
using spare wood and assorted nuts and bolts. Holes were then dug for
the insertion of the bench and once the bench was carried manfully to
its appointed place, it was then dug in and the ground around it raised
(which was easier than cutting the legs down). Unlike the previous bench
this one is designed to last at least until Derby County win the
Premiership. The passenger service bobbled quietly along and a party
from the RCTS were given the Buckby Blue Badge Tour of the yard. Later
in the afternoon work was carried out to repair the viewpoint fence and
its bench, and after a long day of hammering, banging and tightening of
nuts, we declared ourselves well satisfied. In a final moment the
weighbridge was swept out, much to its surprise.

All the best,
Anton

Friday 23rd November 2007

Dear all

 

A quiet and very cold day concentrated on completion the preparation of the share holder mail shot. The Booking Hall welcomed a few visitors and the Buffet Car was prepared for the weekend openings.

 

Opportunity was taken for a round up of outstanding jobs that need to be undertaken for the Idridgehay opening - as ever it's going to be a close run thing! Customer requests were tended to and a little progress was made towards the acquisition reliable on track transport.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Thursday 22nd November 2007

Dear all

 

Much activity and back breaking work around Gorsey Bank level crossing with the wall retained for the wicket gate on the Wirksworth side, post holes filled and tarmaced, trespass guards recovered for reuse elsewhere and the drain catchpit cleared allowing a good flow of water. The Up side safe walking route was completed and a start made on the Down side until the stone ran out. This was all achieved but a combination of the VCT and Permanent Way team.

 

Back a base the narrow gauge extended a little more, the bank above the narrow gauge had further strimming and is looking very neat, and the logging dept. were in action. The janitorial team gave the Mess Hall a good going over and envelopes were stuffed for an upcoming mailing to shareholders.

 

The Booking Hall welcomed a few hardy visitors and a piece of equipment was delivered for testing a week on Wednesday. The caps for the Idridgehay gate posts were fabricated and all but completed.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Wed 21st Nov

Evenin' all,

The main activity saw the Per way team back on the blackstuff, once
again another quarter of a mile of track had all of its fishplates
taken off and fully greased up. The team have reached the end of the
houses at Bournbrook Ave. They also managed to correct a defective
joint that occurred last week. The rail temperature had dropped quickly
and the gap had opened up meaning that the fishplate could not be
fitted properly. The temperature had risen enough today to sort the
problem out. Remember that many of these plates may not have been off
for decades, many are 'rusted' in place by the old grease. Once they
have all been freed off, then special oil can be used in future.
Believe me it is a very hard and dirty task.

More driver training on Claire with several drivers having conversion
courses including some shunting maneuvers.

More attention paid to the Level Crossing gates, this time the new
hinges for the Idridgehay gates have been tried, some refurbishment
work was carried out on the gates themselves.

A team of builders were given a detailed tour of the bridges at
Barnsley lane, where the overbridge requires serious work to the
stonework at road level, a plan was also drawn up to clear the trees
that have fallen into the river and are forming a dam against the
arches of the bridge. Naturally the responsibility lies with the local
council to keep the watercourse clear at this point, but they are not
willing to carry out the work.

'Nottingham Castle' continues to be built, it is now almost
recognisable. Rod and Mary are having a whale of a time doing the work!
Internal work was also carried out on the green Incline coach. A few
more sleepers were laid on the Narrow Gauge line and more bags of
firewood were stacked.

Tomorrow sees the filling in of the holes around Gorsey Bank where the
Level Crossing gates posts were installed, as well as gathering up the
Anti Trespass guards.

Phil

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Tues 20th Nov

Evenin' all,

The story of two level crossings. Firstly, Gorsey Bank had its metal
grills fitted and now awaits its final painting, and the fitting of the
red circles. At Idridgehay, the posts for that level crossing were
transported to site and fitted.

Completion of the droppiong of bottom stone for the Narrow Gauge line,
as well as rough levelling.

More removal of scrap Buffer stops and bits, a general tidying of
site.

'Nottingham Castle' continues to take shape, ready for Santa to visit
in a few weeks time, bookings are coming in thick and fast.

Despite the heavy rain in the afternoon, the Per way team had a tidy
up session of the tool van.

Tomorrow sees a return to fishplate greasing - weather permitting.

Phil

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Monday 19th Nov

Evenin' all,

A few hardy souls braved the weather to keep things ticking over.

Another few loads of stone arrived for the Narrow Gauge line, and this
was transported to its new site. A load of pre cut scrap was
transported to its temp. home in a skip ready for onward transmission.

Also today saw the departure of the three Permaquip vehicles. These
performed yeoman service during the early days and were a regular
feature of our 'fly pasts' in the days of yore! They have now gone to
the Aln Valley Railway in Northumberland.

A visitor appeared from Chasewater, who was getting close up and
personal with the blue 0-6-0, they have an identical machine, and was
wanting to check what went where.

No other visitors, but several more bookings for Santa.

Tomorrow sees the gate posts for Idridgehay Level Crossing being
transported to site, plus more fishplate greasing.

Phil

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Progress at Duffield: October and November 2007

Sat 20th Oct (Afternoon) Watered plants on mainline,collected leaves from around office and put back on stand large water container that had blown off in gales.

Sat 27th Oct (Afternoon) Picked up litter between tunnel and bridge, removed firewood off the Down Slow Platform and delivered, inspected work done to curved track last Thursday.

Sun 28th Oct (Afternoon) Dropped off three dustbins for leaf collection around office area.

Wed 31st Oct (Evening) Cleared worst of leaves up from around office, took down and emptied office hanging basket, removed dead plants from around Gerrainiums(Which will 'Winter') in office planters, then rang Head Gardener Mrs.'D' about mainline plants.

Sat 3rd Nov (Afternoon) Took down hanging baskets at mainline platforms, moved all the rest of the firewood on large pallets from the Down Slow platform to Platform 3, awaiting member coming to collect it. Mowed the platform lawn for the last time this year,collected one large builders bag full of leaves up from around office and surrounding area, took the grass cuttings and leaves off site to be recycled.

Sun 4th Nov (Afternoon) Looking at job of changing notices in display boards at mainline, to see what special spanners would be required. Put rail trolley away and locked it up and then inspected suitable place to ask Local Council to fit Litter bin on top of A6 bridge.

Wed 7th Nov (Evening) Changed 'Friends of The Valley Line'notices in display cabinets at mainline car park and platforms 1&2.

Fri 9th Nov (Evening) Moved rail trolley down to office area to save daylight time tomorrow, inspected line fom buffer stop to just North of tunnel, checking to see if manhole chambers on that section of line had got pallets on them to protect them,removing litter from beneath and adjacent A6 bridge.

Sat 10th (Afternoon) Did some tiding up around office area,took small pallets down near buffer stop out of public view(Awaiting Phil Tarry to collect them for Shottle yard),took some sugar stone from office compound by rail trolley and placed it in signal box hole,collected more leaves up from around office area and visiting member collected all his wood from off platform 3. Duty Manager came down from Wirksworth and inspected the station site (complete) and was taken round to be shown future work planned.

Sun 11th Nov (Afternoon) Did some 'Extreme' tidying up( Getting Down on Bended Knees) around office, getting up all leaves off an area of plastic membrane to have stone layed on it. Then all the small stone ballast we had in bags brought down from Wirksworth was laid onto the area just cleaned. Also a start was made on the 'Discrete' access gate being inserted into the 'Post and Rail' fence from the car park to the foot bridge (This gate will be for Staff use only, for the time being).

Sun 18th Nov (Afternoon) Today saw quite a large number of names in our book for Duffield (7),our three usual members of staff were all busy and we were joined for the first of several weeks by two local lads doing some community work/service for their Duke of Edinburgh's award. Later a member staff's father turned up and gave a hand, before taking his son home and just as we were leaving, our usual Wirksworth member called in on his way home from HQ. Most of the tall standing weeds were removed from platform 3 and a start was made on removing new sapling growth off 'The Down Slow' platform. The last half tonne of sugar stone in bags (previously surfacing 'Rodney's Rock Garden)was taken down by rail trolley and placed in the signal box hole. All the large pallets, that the wood was on, were taken down and stacked by the smaller ones. Ten plus small tree stumps were prized up out of the track in the platform 3 area, leaving only two that could not be got out and more tiding/ putting things back in their usual place was done around the office.

Rodney Thorne

Progress Report Sunday 18th November

Dear all,

Not been a very plesent day, rain and more rain turning to snow.

The passenger service ran, with more passenger's to Ravenstor than Saturday with the buffet car open.

The charter for George Watson private party carried on from Wirksworth -Gorsey bank as required and Ravenstor on the service train, with the party saying how much progress that has been made.Further work on the 31.

Thanks to all
Duty Manager J.Ball.

Progress Report Saturday 17th November 2007

Dear all,

Today saw the completion of Shunt of the Month, in which many items of
rolling stock were moved to create a little working space in the yard
and also to get Nottingham Castle out in preparation for its starring
role during the Santa weekends. For those of you who might suspect we
have got something no one else has heard of from the GWR, I have to
point out that it will shortly be a very crenellated brakevan.

Work continued on the narrow gauge with a new drain being put in north
of Cemetery Lane Bridge and the trackbed being prepared with ballast at
the waterfall end. In terms of priority tasks we completed the
preparation of the necessary holes for signs near the weighbridge and
opposite the dust dock, but have not dealt with the movement of scrap
today, as the conscript was particularly small, probably having his
collar felt for some minor misdemeanor such as insulting a policeman in
ladies lingerie. However, he did tidy up the area outside the
weighbridge. The passenger service ran, the buffet was open, some minor
repairs were carried out around the station and Duffield was inspected.

All the best,
Anton

Friday 16th November 2007

Dear all

 

A day for forward planning and review of immediate business opportunities that, I am happy to say, show encouraging signs. The Maintenance Facility tidy up and scrap drive continued energetically with the rotting blue container now empty except for its role as an electrical distribution centre. After this problem is resolved it can be cut up and disposed of.

 

The Booking Hall welcomed a few visitors and fielded the usual phone calls. 

 

The weekend's duty managers are briefed with priority activities, so please ask before commencing any task.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Thursday 15th November 2007

Dear all

Well, what a day! There was a concentration of activity in the Maintenance Facility area where the mega tidy up continued with the rusting blue container nearly emptied yielding a mix of scrap, valuable tools and Permaquip parts. (This container will be scrapped in due course) These items were filed respectively in the skip, in the new container and added to the vehicles for departure. The VCT undertook fencing work between the containers and the Incline to ensure the unsuspecting did not suddenly appear in front of an Incline train. We also welcomed a new recruit to the VCT after 44 years tending to the greens at Duffield golf course - a very pleasant addition complete with chain saw certificate.

Tripping hazards at the Cemetery Lane bridge where either scrapped or essential permanent way parts released for storage. Much work also continued on the steam locos and a start was made with driver training on Claire.

A major shunting exercise took place all day to try and achieve a more sensible berthing of stock at the north end of the Yard and release the three Permaquip vehicles to the Car Park ready for their departure to the Aln Valley Railway. Darkness descended suspending the exercise for more work another day.

The Incline dmu coach received further attention and the Booking Hall received a charter party for a Wirksworth to Ravenstor round trip at lunch time.

Regards

Martin

Wednesday 14th October 2007

Dear all

 

Phil is rushing to the Lodge Meeting, otherwise known as the Permanent Way Institute, so I will summarise the day. A start was made with the Works Train visiting the base of the Incline to unload concrete toughing and a location box recovered from Idridgehay. These will be used in connection with the power supply to the Maintenance Facility.

 

In the station yard much activity surrounded the steam locomotives ready to have their boilers lifted off and Nottingham Castle was under construction - quite a tall order for Rod but after the shelter on Platforms 2 and 3 should be easy!

 

The Maintenance Facility also had its water supply reorganised by Roy(71) and Les(77) to make it more useable and out of the way of the scrap metal skip lorry.

 

The Permanent Way team completed the Wirksworth-Idridgehay signage with the erection of the Gorsey Bank Up Distant and replacement of a Stop, Look and Listen sign on the Hannages. We are just left with three signs to erect at Wirksworth to complete the re-signalling part of the Idridgehay project. After this endeavour a whole quarter mile of fishplates were removed, greased and replaced, only another 13 quarter mile sections to be tackled. They worked on into darkness as the last pair of fishplates released the pent up energy of the rails contracting in the fast falling temperature, we have to wait for warmer weather to correctly replace them.

 

A start was made on further dmu driver training utilising the Gorsey Bank passenger line during a hiatus in Tube Lines testing and further progress was made with the refurbishment of the Incline dmu car. One member, who whilst waiting for his wife to deliver the spare car keys, commenced post hole digging for one of the three Wirksworth Yard signs. As this was the second occasion, his wife was making her way slowly to Wirksworth to enable him to dig deeper.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Tues 13th Nov

Evenin' all,

The VCT team carried on working in the Idridgehay area, disposing of
pre-chopped material, whilst the per way team were involved in more
signage work south of Shottle as well as moving a warning sign 1 meter
closer to the track just north of Idridgehay. They also recovered the
recently uplifted concrete troughing as well as a S&T Loc box from
Idridgehay. These have been brought to Wirksworth where they will be
reused in connection with electrical work in the yard. Other members of
the team carried out some boxing in of the ballast near Gorsey Bank as
well as a light bit of stoning up in the Pit area.

A team spent the day on the steam locos, preparing for their boilers
to be removed shortly. Very few visitors attended, as it was rather
cold and damp at times.

Tomorrow sees the works train being emptied of reclaimed material, the
installation of the Gorsey bank Up fixed distant, and equipping the
train for some sleeper replacement therapy.

Information has come to hand that a white transit sized vehicle is
'doing the rounds' nicking scrap. It must be remembered that scrap
prices are high at the moment and it is in our interests to be ever
vigilant to feckless ne'er do wells who have already visited other
railways in the area. Please remember to lock gates and report anything
suspicious.

Phil

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Mon 12th Nov

Evenin' all,

A nice quiet Monday saw a few visitors in the Booking Hall, one
visitor forming a queue at 0915 - requiring a book of stamps! A few
visitors to have a look around.

A track patrol between Shottle and Postern Lodge knocking in the
spikes and checking fishplates - all part of the routine maintenance.
Some tidying up of the GLV, and ajoining coaches following last weeks
activities.

Tomorrow sees the workstrain out early to erect the Gorsey Bank Up
fixed Distant, change a few signs, and collect material from Idridgehay
The train must be ready to depart at 0930

Phil.

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PRESS RELEASE: Senior Power Builds a Railway: Seventh Anniversary Celebrations Herald Reopening Date For Line

Wirksworth, 8th November 2007: Volunteers on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway have celebrated seven years of continuous progress on reopening the line by holding a birthday celebration and fixing a date for the reopening of the line.

On 8th November 2000, seven volunteers began to clear undergrowth in the then abandoned railway yard in Wirksworth. This came after another seven years of behind-the-scenes negotiations by WyvernRail Limited (now a plc) to arrange access to the line, raise finance and gain official permission to revive the railway for passenger trains. On Thursday, the same seven volunteers were joined by 50 more in cutting a birthday cake to celebrate astounding progress this decade and to announce some special news.

On 7th March next year, the first train in 60 years will take passengers from Wirksworth to Idridgehay. When this happens, it will represent the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work by a team of volunteers whose average age is in the 60s. This dedicated team have demonstrated that retirement from the nine-to-five can herald a new career restoring one of the most promising community lines in the United Kingdom.

One example of how our volunteers have excelled can be found with Roy and Les Smethurst of Ripley. Both in their 70s, the brothers joined the railway’s volunteers in 2004, bringing with them two beautifully-restored shunting locomotives. Roy and Les have been involved in numerous construction projects along the railway but their crowning glory must be the new platform at Wirksworth Station which they built from scratch. Beginning in March 2007, the platform was completed in October ready for the new Idridgehay service.

“Roy and Les represent the very best in our volunteers bringing our railway to life” remarked Gavin Kenning, the railway’s director responsible for volunteer liaison. “Our new platform at Wirksworth shows how dedicated volunteers can not only work miracles by turning derelict land into a lively commercial venture but illustrates how age and experience brings incalculable value to our venture” he added.

It is a testimony to the sheer determination of the railway’s volunteers that so many volunteers has stayed with the railway since the earliest days. The picture of volunteers back in 2000 shows seven people, all of whom remain active volunteers in 2007.

Tickets for the first train on March 7th go on sale in early December.

Ends.

Image shows the pioneer volunteers on November 8th 2000. From left to right, they are: Vince Ware, Ian Shaw, John Gratton, Mike Craft, Martin Miller, Joe Ruddock, Phil Tarry.

Images show contrasting views of the line between Wirksworth and Idridgehay in 1999 and 2007. These illustrate the extent of the challenge facing the railway’s volunteers and the quality of the work that they have produced.

Images show similar views at Wirksworth in 1998 and 2007. From the dereliction of the late 1990s there has emerged a thriving business for both passenger services and railway testing under the banner MyTestTrack.com, seen here providing facilities for London Underground’s fleet of engineering vehicles.

Image shows a passenger train at Idridgehay; the beautifully-restored country station which will see passenger services return next March.

Image shows septuagenarian brothers Roy and Les Smethurst on the platform that they built at Wirksworth in 2007.

Sunday 11th November 2007

As to be expected with the time of year, the short days give a sense of urgency to all our outdoor activities. The site was alive with activity particularly in the loco department where work was being done on the Class 31, while over the pit our newly arrived hire loco underwent routine maintenance , oil change and brake block change - before being released for driver training next week. Additional painting to 03084 was carried out between the spells of overcast weather. The newly re-metalled side rods are now back on site and are scheduled for re-fitting in the coming week. The Cadet team gave Claire a wipe down with an oily rag which transformed her appearance no end. The Passenger Dept plodded up and down the incline and entertained several visitors who were plied with tea and coffee and then sold toys and sleepers and tickets for the Santa specials.Last but not least, the Sunday P-Way team took advantage of a brief possession to do some final adjustments to the newly erected Gorsey Bank crossing gates.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SL

Friday 9th November 2007

Dear all

 

A peaceful day today after the excesses of yesterday. 03 locomotive parts were delivered after being worked on at the Midland Railway Centre. A track inspection was made between Idridgehay and Shottle and the Booking Hall welcomed a few visitors.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Thursday 8th November 2007

Dear all

 

The morning was spent on further work at Gorsey Bank to remedy the geophysical effects on the length of the crossing gates. They have now been cryogenically shrunk to the right size. Our new arrival "Claire" had a two man clean up and M51188 (part of the two car Met-Cam dmu) had its west side windows scraped and cleaned.

 

The seventh anniversary of first day of work on site at Wirksworth, 8th November 2000, was celebrated by over 50 working members by a mystery excursion followed by lunch. The train was the two car Met-Cam set following a creatively planned route and lunch on board the Gatwick Express was a splendid affair. It's not often we pause to relax but all concerned enjoyed themselves. Great thanks are due to Dorothy who masterminded and prepared the magnificent buffet and all who helped cater to the masses. It was also a delight to welcome Lorna Bentley and I hope she will join us more frequently in the future.

 

Kind regards

 

Martin 

Wed 7th Nov

Evenin' all,

Another huge step forward today saw the arrival of a 'new' loco It is,
I am told, a Hudswell Clarke diesel Hydraulic 250 hp 0 - 4 - 0 called
'Clare'. Built 1970 (ex works). It spent much of its life at the Avenue
Coking plant near Chesterfield. This loco is on hire to us. 'Faraday'
aka 'Sir Peter and Lady Hilton', has born the brunt of the renewals
work for several years, and is ready for some serious servicing. The
idea is that Clare will take up the role played by Faraday, when
drivers are trained up. It is expected to be a real boon for works
trains. Clare will reach Duffield in about half of he time taken
presently.

A new stores container arrived for the Maintenance area, existing
containers were moved around so as to create a better working area.
Much Per-way and S&T material was moved to Shottle yard.

The Per way team again went to Duffield, and managed to change 3
sleepers and install more Gauge Tie Bars to reinforce the 15 chain
radius curve. The work involved is quite time consuming,as radius, cant
and linespeed are taken into account when calculating the width of
gauge.

Work continued on the fitting of Gorsey Bank Level Crossing gates,
where, due to the coefficient of linear expansion, plus the rotation of
the earth x the effects of global warming and the approach of the next
ice age,The Southern gate is fitting a treat, the northern one is being
worked on and should be working properly by tomorrow evening. Full
fitting out continues.

In the yard, Pat was strimming in the area of the children's Play
area, whilst the firewood dept attacked their work with attitude as
well as a chain saw.

The Booking office also had some more enquiries re Santa specials,
which are selling out fast - book early for the limited seats
available, to avoid disappointment.

Tomorrow sees the workstrain out about 0930 with more lifting work
(manual) at Gorsey Bank.

Phil

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Gate Hanging photographs online now!

The photographs of the new level crossing gates being hung at Gorsey Bank are now online. You can view these on our Fotopic gallery for Progess, accessible via the Multimedia section at the top.

Leigh

Tues 6th Nov

Evenin' all,

Well, at long last, a good old fashioned hanging in Gorsey Bank. The
new gates for Gorsey Bank level crossing were transported to site today
and were hung in position. There still required a bit of work o make
them fit snuggly, some white paint, locks to be fitted, grills to be
added,etc. etc. But the fact remains that after an absence of many
years Gorsey Banks has gates back. Whilst we were at it, the fencing
team (AKA the VCT) fitted some palisade fencing panels across the 'rat-
run' leading to the play area. For a long time this has been a thorn in
our side.

We also responded to a call from a local farmer, whose cattle appeared
to like trains and who had found a way onto the track. The application
of some fencing wire has closed a number of cattle creep points.

A number of people came to examine the steam tank engines as part of
their survey, before further work is carried out.

More logs sawn up and sold, stocks replenished.

Tomorrow sees the works train in Duffield carrying out further track
improvements as well as some minor adjustments to Gorsey Bank crossing
gates.

Phil

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Monday 5th November 2007

Dear all

 

In someway a sad day as L53 left the site to return to the LH Group for further work after its testing cycle. There would now seem to be a hiatus before any further vehicles are received, probably into the New Year.

 

We did welcome an old friend to the Railway in the shape of Permaclipper 51639 that had languished with us for many years before being purchased by Balfour Beatty for refurbishment. The machine travelled the whole line in connection with its certification for use on the national network. It's a funny old world.

 

Confirmation was received that the machine to move the Gorsey Bank gates into position will arrive tomorrow so there will be more photo opportunities.

 

Regards

 

Martin

Progress Report Sunday 4th Nov 2007

Dear all,

A day of many parts. Some gardening was done. Some work on the narrow
gauge was also done and the Lister was started and poddled up and down
the newly laid section of track with the tram, looking rather like a
mouse herding an elephant. The passenger service also poddled, as did
the till. A small clerks conference was held, risks were assessed and
various forms filled. The batteries were charged on the class 31 and its
interior decoration continued. The newly hung car park gates were
adjusted and the signs moved to go with them. The yard shunt signal had
a disc replacement and is now again in pristine condition. The Duffield
Station volunteers and their new hi-vis hats visited Wirksworth and were
displayed to the admiration, some might have said incredulity, of all
concerned.

The entire and utter weekend permanent way gang first went down to Alton
Manor to remove mud from a selection of sleeper tops before a luncheon
of sweet and sour chicken. After luncheon, the entire and utter
permanent way gang went up to Ravenstor to fix the broken gate. Having
fixed the gate, the gang then recovered a bench from the far end of the
incline with the assistance of the train crew and brought it back for a
plank to be replaced. The gang then purchased himself a can of diet coke
and returned to Ravenstor with the keying hammer and walked the entire
Ravenstor Line by way of routine maintenance. The rest of us were quite
exhausted.

All the best, Anton

Progress Report Saturday 3rd November 2007

Hi All

About 25 bodies came to see us. Several families walked to the Stone Centre.55006 had a full day on the Incline with both heaters working early AM but were soon switched off being quite a mild day.

Both ground frames had a good oiling. A massive sort out of P-way materials has taken place today and the re-usable components are now awaiting onward transmission to central P-way stores.

The area near water crane was cleared by Steve and his merry band and Richard and Vince reasssembled the works train for Mon AM. All in all a very productive
day.

Mike Evans (via Tim Moore)

Fri 2nd Nov

Evenin' all,

The green 03 has been over the Pit and has hd a routine servicing and
cleaning, the blue 03 has had its roof wire brushed, cleaned down and
treated as well as undercoated, as part of its refurb. The Shunter
group also managed to find a few minutes to fabricate a heavy duty
steel cover for the Interceptor tank. The Interceptor tank has now been
commissioned and is substantially complete.

The Narrow gauge team have been busy laying track, using their new
junior per way trolley, They have also managed to hang the replacement
gates at the end of the car park. Please remember that the gate by the
Kave cabin, now opens outwards.

A smattering of visitors and enquiries regarding the opening services.

Phil
pp Steve

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Thursday 1st November 2007

Dear all

 

I have to report exhaustion! Many of you will know how enthusiastic I am about walking but, today, I have managed the walk from Wirksworth to Idridgehay without the Air Ambulance being called out. You may say why? I was in the company of the Railway Inspector  together with Phil and Mick Thomas as we had the first pass at the inspection of the line. It is fair to say that there are a number of tasks still to be achieved and also fair to say that we were complemented on the amount of progress we had made in the last three years. A very useful and productive day.

 

Meanwhile, life continued with T53 visiting the pit and then undertaking some test runs prior to its departure for greener pastures on Monday. There was a whorl of activity to extract the two crossing gates for Idridgehay and present them to Mick Thomas for preparation for their new role.

 

Down at the Maintenance Facility the first use of the interceptor pit proved to be successful and maintenance of our dmu fleet continued.

 

Much activity was in evidence on the narrow gauge extension and the electrical department have indulged a passion for grey paint.

 

The Booking Hall welcomed visitors on this special day. Special thanks are due to Dorothy who prepared the catering for the HMRI visit - we remain paranoid about presentation which has paid dividends with regulatory bodies and customers. Today was no exception.

 

Regards

 

Martin