Thursday, 31 July 2008
Thursday 31st July 2008
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Wed 30th July
The surprise of the day was on the first train to Ravenstor, which had
5passengers going up the hill, but quite a crowd of walkers were
awaiting at Ravenstor for the downhill leg. The Bubble car was over
half full. The good loadings continued throughout the day, with one of
the highest mid week total ever.
An early start was made by the Per way team, who, with the aid of a
mini digger, recovered all the stone knocked down from Derby Road
bridge. The builder starts work on the rebuilding on Monday. After the
stone train, the gang swapped wagons, and emptied the remainder of the
28mm stone from the Grampus onto the Pit Road Point. After an early
lunch they went fishplate greasing, managing another 7 pairs. They are
now at the Idridgehay Up Distant.
The Steam Team had a delivery of a boiler and tubes this afternoon,
another one turned up at 1730. THese should keep them quiet for a
while with some retubing to do!
Phil
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Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Tues 29th July
Another busy day saw the VCT continuing to open up the views south of
Idridgehay, they are now working at Hillcliffe Lane/Old Lane bridge, A
promised party of young assistants failed to materialise, so there is a
lot of follow-up clearance work to be carried out.
The Per way team completed another 13 pairs of fishplate stripping and
lubricating, they are now within sight of the gates at Idridgehay. Some
shunting was also required when they got back to base. The IMT also
completed the final phase of the detailed track walk, carryout out bolt
testing and tightening.
The Steam team had more of a sorting out session ready for the boilers
to return home tomorrow. They also managed to acquire some valuable
bits and pieces from the former bus depot, to add to their collection.
The Landrover had its rear nearside rail wheel reinstated after some
bearing trouble. A new unit has been fitted, and the vehicle is back on
the road again.
The old bus shed had a tidy up afte being in use as a temporary work
base by the Gas people who have been working in Wirksworth over the
last few months.
A few visitors braved the sunshine and violent storm in the afternoon
Phil
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Monday, 28 July 2008
Monday 28th July 2008
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Wappentake Sunday 27th July 2008
Friday, 25 July 2008
Friday 25th July 2008
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Thursday 24th July 2008
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Wed 23rd July
Sorry for being a bit late, but some after hours business needed to be
attended to.
Today saw some serious training on the class 20, with Hylton and
Richard B putting in 8 hours - still many to go but good progress being
made. They took the works train to site at linespeed, left it there and
then carried out much training . The Per way team carried out work in
the shed area whilst the two were getting started, this included the
packing and kangoing of the Pit road as it enters the shed. 20 tons of
stone arrived and was run out around the shed to form a better surface
and allow access to the steam dept workshop, - still much shovelling to
be carried out!
Once the team were away they managed 11 pairs of fishplates and are
now only half a mile from Idridgehay.
Not to be outdone, the narrow gauge team were also busy greasing
fishplates, and dropping ballast.
A steady trickle of visitors ran up the Incline in the Bubble car, and
availed themselves of Julie's Pantry for a refreshing cup of tea. More
preperations were made for this weekends big event, 'Wapentake',
including big tidy ups, when evening trains will run on the Incline
service.
More paint was removed in the shed from one of the DMUs, with the
workers delighting in a bit of shade.
The damage to Derby Road bridge, and the further attention by passing
ne'er-do-wells, has cast a potential cloud on the start for the D2D, as
the costs for repair are 'up front', and are already estimated at well
over £10,000, this cost must be met by us, until the insurance matter
is resolved. Watch this space!
Phil
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Tuesday 22nd July
Once again activity spread out along the line.
The VCT repaired a gate on an Accomodation Crossing as well as
continuing to clear south of Idridgehay.
The main Per Way team continued fishplate greasing, and are now by the
cattle creep by Jebbs Lane. At last they are out of the deep ballast
shoulders which has slowed progress of late, but 6.5 pairs of plated
sorted today with many seized bolts.
The IMT walked the Incline and Yard carrying out routine maintenance.
The replacing of brake blocks on one of the 03's was completed and
some gentle testing was carried out. The opportunity was taken to drop
some more stone on the Pit road going into the shed.Some troughing was
also installed at the front of the shed to carry an electrical supply
under the tracks.
The Steam Team spent the day moving stores and bits to their new
container and having a sort out, using the Multicar.
One of the DMU,s was inside the shed having a rub down pending the
application of some special paint - At last some undercover painting.
The narrow gauge team were running back and forth with their own
ballast train.
Some 20 bags of logs were delivered to the Stone Centre in preperation
for Wapentake this weekend.
The housekeeping team came and gave the Mess Room its clean and the
Booking hall had a steady trickle of visitors.
Nev has also passed out as a Faraday driver, so the drinks are on him,
well done.
Phil
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Monday, 21 July 2008
Monday 21st July 2008
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Press Release from MyTestTrack.com - a Venture by WyvernRail plc
MyTestTrack.com – a venture by WyvernRail plc
Contact: Neil Ferguson-Lee
Tel. (01629) 822806
Email neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk
On Track for Export
Sperry Rail International and MyTestTrack.com Partner for International Success
Wirksworth, 20th July 2008: MyTestTrack.com and Sperry Rail International have announced a partnership programme to test a range of rail vehicles and other products equipped with Sperry’s rail flaw detection equipment at the MyTestTrack.com test facility on the Duffield to Wirksworth branch near Derby.
The partnership has been established to provide Sperry with virtually unlimited access to the whole 9-mile line which incorporates a range of rail conditions and types, ranging from a mile of continuously-welded concrete-sleepered track, a variety of points and crossings through to a 1 in 30 incline.
“My TestTrack.com’s facilities at Wirksworth give us a perfect combination of high availability at very short notice, a range of environments to support real-world testing and a ‘can-do’ attitude that means that we have minimal downtime when we are on site.” remarked Justin Stroud, Sperry Rail’s Production Manager at the announcement of the partnership.
Sperry Rail first used the MyTestTrack.com at Wirksworth in 2004 and since then a variety of rail-mounted vehicles have visited the line, ranging from road/railers through towed test cars to a new trolley being tested for customers as close as Network Rail and MetroNet and as far away as Indian Railways.
As part of the new venture, MyTestTrack.com have taken delivery of a ex-BR Class 20 locomotive to support Sperry’s test programme. “We are responding to our customer’s requirements and providing Sperry with an air-braked locomotive to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution to their testing requirements” commented Martin Miller, MyTestTrack.com’s General Manager.
In addition to supporting Sperry Rail, MyTestTrack.com’s current projects include providing a test site for the transmission-based train control (TBTC) system on behalf of Tube Lines, Halcrow and LH Group and continuing to provide facilities for companies undertaking certification testing for possession-only vehicles to standard RIS-1530-PLT.
Ends.
Note to Editors:
A series of high-quality digital images are available to download at http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1547655.html
These images include:
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063313.html
Ex-British Railways Class 20, D8001 at Wirksworth accompanying London Underground locomotive L18. D8801 has arrived at Wirksworth to support the railway’s testing activities under the MyTestTrack.com banner, while L18 was present as part of Tube Lines’ test programme for the Transmission-Based train Control System on the Jubilee Line.
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063314.html
A Network Rail UTU5 Unimog, supplied by Sperry Rail Services on test at Wirksworth before entry into service on the Highland Lines.
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063317.html
Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle at Wirksworth.
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063316.html
Sperry Rail SRS220 Land Rover used for rail flaw detection with Metronet, on test at Wirksworth.
About MyTestTrack.com:
MyTestTrack.com is a venture by WyvernRail plc. WyvernRail is reopening the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Duffield and Wirksworth and, in a very short time, has transformed the line from a neglected wilderness to a clear route suitable for vehicle movements throughout its length. WyvernRail is locally owned and managed with an attitude to make things work.
MyTestTrack.com offers competitively-priced service that is available at short notice to railway engineering companies for testing and training. The company offers a single point of contact, including a dedicated rail industry hotline (0870 766 2098), and a range of facilities to suit requirements, whether they be at short notice or for the long term.
Full details can be obtained from www.MyTestTrack.com.
About Sperry Rail
Sperry Rail, the world's leading and largest rail flaw detection company, operates more than 200 test vehicles. They provide rail flaw detection services to enhance the safety and productivity of railroad operations worldwide.
Sperry use state-of-the-art proprietary ultrasonic, eddy current and electromagnetic systems and testing techniques to identify and classify rail flaws, as well as a unique data management system to provide decision support and optimise rail defect management.
Saturday 19th July 2008 Progress
Sunny spells and showers meant the Idridgehay Service only saw a trickle of passengers, who included a family of visitors from The Netherlands. They were very complimentary about the railway and the scenery. Faraday was on Platform one giving footplate rides too. After all of these activities that we have to offer the visitors have been entertained, they were able to have a relax in the buffet car, which I am told, now has sandwiches!
The Grampus started to receive a repaint from our single conscript and a start was made on preparing the roof on the 117 for painting. This is a very difficult job as all of the old BR paintwork has to be chipped off by hand! A start could have been made earlier, had a mystic fairy not visited sometime during Friday and dismantled the scaffold! This work couldn't be done without having a covered area for maintenance, as the British weather was typically awful.
Our Passenger Services Manager had a smile on his face having purchased a new mower. This was christened on the bank between the Incline line and the GatEx - but it nearly went horribly wrong when there was confusion over it not containing engine oil from factory. During the rainy intervals, bardic lamps were converted to use Duracell batteries so that they can light Ravenstor platform at next Saturday's Wapentake.
A pretty good day really,
Mike Evans
Friday, 18 July 2008
Friday 18th July 2008
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Thursday 17th July 2008
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Wednesday 16th July 2008
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Supplemental Tuesday 15th July 2008
Tuesday 15th July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
Monday 14th July 2008 Progress
A special needs School enjoying the Day with a trip to Ravenstor and Lunch in the Gatex and promising to come again.
2 Car Met Cam received a Bogie Wash and 55006 was used to remove offending overhanging branches on line to Idridgehay.
The Narrow Gauge progressed and one of the 12t Vans received some more black paint.
Mike Evans.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Progress Report Sunday 13th July 2008
A day of reasonable business but in better weather than the prevailing
monsoon commonly known as the British Summer. The Ravenstor serviced
poddled up and down with modest passenger traffic albeit from a wider
range of origins than is usually the case, proof that the holiday season
is now upon us, and work continued on the narrow gauge where the track
is gradually being levelled and packed from the waterfall end.
A visit from the global IT department resulted in the bunty having to be
taken down because of its effect on the new hi-tech system when waving
in the wind. All tea-leafs and ne-er do wells are advised to wear
colourful bunty to attract the system's attention if planning to make
off with something from the yard. Anyone seeing morris men acting
suspiciously on our webcams should report them to the Great House of
Constabulary.
Also on the constabulary front, a small number of conscripts were in
attendance and some of these were delegated to slap further paint on
Johnny the box van, however, as is often the case with slappers the
outcome didn't quite result in complete satisfaction and a further day
of toil will be offered next week.
Along the line a test train was run with Mr Steve Lyne as pilotman in
his capacity as Keanu Reeves' body double and a high level of
satisfaction was indeed achieved, though possibly not by Mr Reeves.
At Shottle, Miss Toselands' P-Way gang proceeded apace with the
clearance from Shottle platform of the International Guano Mountain and
much of the platform is now clear and looking surprisingly intact,
though we did possibly wake the neighbours at about 10.30.
Duffield Station was inspected.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday 12th July 2008
Due to a wet start this morning, passenger numbers have been no more than average but all of those who braved the heavy showers did get treated to both a ride on Iris and the noise of the Class 20 ticking over in the platform.
There was plenty of stripping going on in the GatEx by Anton and his crew of unlikely volunteers, with the end result quite pleasing! Although, all I could see was lights, bins, seats and leaflet holders as the result.
Those of you who have slightly more time on your hands, will have also noticed that the webcams are now uploading to the Internet again for all to enjoy.
Mike Evans
Friday, 11 July 2008
Friday 11th July 2008
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Thursday 10th July 2008
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Wednesday 9th July 2008
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Tuesday 8th July 2008
Monday, 7 July 2008
Monday 7th July 2008
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Sunday 6th July 2008
Friday, 4 July 2008
Friday 4th July 2008
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Thursday 3rd July 2008
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Wed 2nd July
Due to a number of commitments today, work started early. The
contractors who are sheeting the shaed were hard at work before 0800 -
although the delivery of some more bits promissed for 0800 finally
arrived at 1555. However they completed more work on the side and more
securing of the roof. Another couple of days will see much of the main
work conpleted, this will allow a detailed shopping list of bits to be
drawn up - much of it specialised, pre cut sheets etc.
A customer for testing also turned up at about 0815, in order to keep
the chaps busy, the works train actually left Wirksworth at about 0900
taking some of the team to the Alton Manor -Barnsley Lane are for
fishplate greasing. The train then returned to base. Meanwhile the
lorry on test was carrying out the Incline test and then some testing
in the yard. Once the works train was berthed, the lorry went down the
line, where it was put through its paces. Upon its return mid
afternoon, the works train returned to site to recover the Per way
team. Some 17 more panels had their fishplates lubricated. The team are
now about 200 yards north of Barnsley Lane.
Meanwhile the Tube Lines testing continued and good progress was made.
The system being tried is cutting edge technology, and we are pleased
that things are now getting sorted out. The teams have been workinbg
hard for a long time to develop this system. It is a truly
international effort, so well done to them.
The Narrow Gauge team were also hard at work fettling their track,
both with ballast and trackwork itself.
The Passenger Services dept ran the Incline service after the testing
was completed and ran with reasonable numbers. In fact there were four
independent train movements, all fully protected in their own sections
at the same time, all on different lines at the same time - not a bad
day!
Workmen at Duffield uncovered the high voltage cable that goes under
the track and will feed the new flats, they marked up the course of the
cable for us.
Phil
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Wapentake Information
Just to let you know that there is some information available regarding the Wapentake by clicking on the homepage banner. The majority of information is available on the Wapentake Official Website but we also have details of a special timetable for the weekend which includes shuttle services to the National Stone Centre (where most of the action is happening) from Wirksworth station that run well into the evening.
Leigh
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Tues 1st July
Another great day saw the completion of the roof for the new shed
facility at Wirksworth. A full day by Alan and Gordon, our contractors
saw a great rush of activity.
By chance we had a new MEWP (Rail mounted elevating platform) in for
test today, the roofing team cast envious eyes at it - as did the VCT
who want one as well.
Due to its slow speed, the vehicle off tracked when it had done the
Incline part of the teast and was conveyed by road to Shottle for that
part, and then by road to Duffield for the final part of the test, thus
making it the first time that all three RRAPs have been used to gain
initial access to track. Another vehicle for testing tomorrow.
The Per way team did several small 'Roun Toit' jobs in the yard before
going fishplate greasing, once the escorting Landrover returned. The
side white lines have finally been painted at the two Level Crossings.
MOre painting and sorting around the shed area with more paint going
on the containers, a conscript made a start on brushing down and
applying paint to the other recently arrived Box Van. The 0-4-0 also
recieved attention with more bits being returned to it.
The VCT busied themselves with fence repairs in the yard especially
around the back of the old Dust Dock and in the Kave area.
Tube Lines continue to be perplexed by the vaguries of thei new
computer systems, but report that there is light at the end of the
tunnel - after all they should know about tunnels, so progress is being
made.
Tomorrow requires carefull timing with the works train going to site
early and dropping off men and materials, before returning to base to
allow the test vehicle to carry out its work. Once clear the works
train will return. For those late arivals, the foot access will be at
Barnsley Lane.
Phil
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