The LH vehicle then transferred to the Incline for conclusion of its brake tests whilst Sperry's UTU5, a self propelled Rail Flaw Detection Unit, had arrived from Derby for more shakedown tests for Network Rail. UTU5 "on tracked" in the Car Park and moved over to the Incline connection to await completion of the LH vehicle tests. An exchange took place and UTU5 moved onto the Incline and the LH vehicle finalised its tests on the Yard pointwork.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Testing times at Wirksworth
The LH vehicle then transferred to the Incline for conclusion of its brake tests whilst Sperry's UTU5, a self propelled Rail Flaw Detection Unit, had arrived from Derby for more shakedown tests for Network Rail. UTU5 "on tracked" in the Car Park and moved over to the Incline connection to await completion of the LH vehicle tests. An exchange took place and UTU5 moved onto the Incline and the LH vehicle finalised its tests on the Yard pointwork.
Tues 30th Sept
What a day!
A total of 4 vehicles on test plus the works train meant constant
shuffelling of trains and vehicles. All were accomodated in different
parts of our network and all were 'locked in' One of the vehicles was a
scissor jack platform, three gallant chaps rode on this vehicle braving
the elements - I went in the landrover - more sensible. A short time
ago, they were in the warm whilst I was getting soaked - such is
progress.
The Per way team did some work in the yard before zooming of tp the
Idridgehay - Shottle section where they cut out two more joints before
adding new closure rails. There are still plenty left and a list has
been issued of the gaps that want attending to.
The VCT attended to vegetation at Ken Rowlands crossing before
creating more logs at Jebbs Lane bridge.
The dream steam team, were busy burning rivets and knocking them out
of a boiler as well as repairing bits of regulator and other technical
stuff. I was told that one member was filing down the flange clearance.
This is probably a good move, so I nodded sagely and wandered off.
Apparently the regulator is like an accelerator, and the brake cylinder
is the same as a car but a bit bigger, when I enquired about the size
of the clutch, they went for a cup of tea!
Yesterday and today have been extreemly busy with testing, but it
brings the money in. There is more testing of rails tomorrow, but some
good news. I rang the welders to see what time they would be at
Idridgehay, they are not coming tomorrow but will be with us on
Thursday and Friday - so a normal start for the works gang.
A few , very few souls turned up to see what was happening. and Julie
got the odd quid out of them.
Phil
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Monday, 29 September 2008
Monday 29th September 2008
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Progress Report Sunday 28th Sept
A modest day compared to yesterday, rather foggy to start with but
better later and with a varied group of very complimentary passengers.
At Wirksworth most work took place in the IT department's closet and
several people later came out of it. Some repairs were carried out on
the Booking Hall and the frontage was swept of a large amount of loose tat.
Miss Toseland's P-Way gang set off bright and early in their little
yellow landrover and spent the day at Duffield identifying a range of
blockages in the drain runs south of the A6 bridge. All the known pits
requiring attention were dug out along with a section of troughing by
the Station Office to enable the Duffield staff to mow the area there to
a standard never before achieved, following yesterdays surprise strimming.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Progress Report Saturday 27th Sept
I am requested to transmit to you today's report from Mr Steve Lyne,
Duty Manager at the Ecclescake Valley Railway:
A warm and pleasant day brought out the passengers and a steady trade
was had once the till had been prised open after it was found to be
having an obstreperous moment. A number of passengers availed themselves
of the buffet car service and the EVRA shoppe.
The Carriage and Wagon Superintendent assisted by the Amber Valley
Locomotive Group stripped the axle boxes of the LMS brake van and box
vans Fanny and Johnny and these were cleaned and oiled and the verandah
and steps of the LMS brake van were creosoted.
The duty conscript washed LUL19 in the platform and it is now shiny on
one side at least. The windows on Iris were also cleaned. Gardening was
undertaken on the booking hall embankment and the south end of the dust
dock embankment was seeded after last weeks soiling exercise.
The Passenger Dept Stores were cleaned out and the wheelie bin is now
full. Further painting took place on the soon-to-be-green 03 before the
entire and utter engineering staff were called to repair the Passenger
Dept's horseless carriage which had disgraced itself in the car park. In
other departmental news the Global Marketing Dept walked a rather butch
dog through the yard and the Finance Dept's recent deposit was finally
cleared by the system and is on its way to Idridgehay.
Staff at Duffield were found to be strimming the west side of the
station compound, to the considerable surprise of many residents of
Duffield.
Cheers, Steve
via Anton.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Friday 26th September 2008
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Thursday 25th September 2008
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Wed 24th Sept
The carpark at Wirksworth semmed like a cross between Piccadilly
Circus and Clapham Junction.No sooner had our vehicle on test left the
car park than L19 arrived on a low loader. This was scarcely berthed in
Platform 1 and the lorry re-connected than the Test vehicle returned
and had to for a queue to get in - two low loaders to remove its bits
and pieces. As they were doing that a wagon load of logs were deliverd
and off loaded. As soon as that had been completed then three wagons
were shunted onto the car park for collection. Meanwhile at the other
end of the carpark, technicians were swarming over the Sperry vehicle.
The Per way train was away seemingly at first light. The team dug
around and removed some concrete sleepers ready for the welders next
week. They then shunted at Shottle and once locked in the Test vehicle
was able to dash to Duffield. The Per way team managed to change a
couple of sleepers in and around the pointwork at Shottle. Upon return
they collected logs.
Quite a busy day for the Passenger dept. Visitors were also given the
chance to see the comings and goings. One young lad had his photo taken
in the cab of the RRV in the platform- - his grandparents were most
impressed.
The logging dept had a mass chopping and cutting session.
A very busy and worthwhile day. The next few days will be a little
busy with more whole line testing .
Phil
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________________________________________________
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Tues 23rd Sept
First tonight the steam dream team cleaned and undercoated the bunker
from No 3, also continued de-rivetting the boiler and cleaned up the
valvegear to strt to get that ready for relocation in the future. The
new boiler tubes were oiled to assist in their longevity.
A firm, new to us, arrived with their Road Rail Vehicle plus three
trailers, these were loaded ready for its 1530 test tomorrow.
The class 20 recieved attention to its fuel gauge and was subsequently
given some fuel, before going on a test run.
The Per way team went to Idridgehay and cut out two bad joints,
replacing them with two closure rails. The IMT walked the section from
Derby Rd 2 to Wirksworth, checking the fishplate bolts which had become
slightly loose (we never had this problem when they were all rusted
solid).
A representative frome Thermit Welding accompanied us on a site visit.
I am pleased to report that work will start next week on welding up the
CWR section. They can tackle about 4 welds per shift, so our teams can
get ahead of them to make track upgrades. He was complimentary about
the work carried out last week with all the re-railing.
The VCT worked south of Willow Crossing and managed to fight a way
into the Blackthorn to clear an area for the digger driver to work on
the drainage in that area. Work was also carried out to the metalwork
at Jebbs Lane Bridge.
Dave Newby fixed a replacement window to my office, so I can now see
out. The old one was full of nicotine!
The wood cutters were in attendance preparring firewood for thee
expected masses.
*****Due to testing work tomorrow, the works train will have to leave
Wirksworth by 0915 and recess at Shottle*****
Phil
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________________________________________________
Monday, 22 September 2008
Mon 22nd Sept
Tis the Equinox today, however, it was a bit cold and damp for
celebrating - but its downhill from her with the days getting shorter.
A day to travel. So I went to Sheffield and retrieved our two impact
wrenches that have just been serviced. We now have three fully
operational ones. All have clean handles, and members of the per way
team will only wear white cotton gloves when using them (Apparently
there was more grease on the handles than there was in the gearbox!)
Some rail cutting was also carried out. The Booking Hall was
surprisingly busy for a Monday with quite a few visitors.
Tomorrow is a bit of a mish-mash with 4 potential worksites between
Idridgehay and Shottle. Machine digging north from Shottle. The VCT
working between Willow Crossing and the Badger's retreat. Per way will
be removing track defects, sout of Idridgehay, and a Welding officer
will be carrying out a site visit for welding to be carried out.
Phil
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________________________________________________
Friday, 19 September 2008
Friday 19th September 2008
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Thursday 18th September 2008
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Wed 17th Sept
People were knocking at the door at 0730, The Sperry vehicle had
arrived for more tow testing in due course. Clementine was waiting to
be loaded and taken back to he smoke.
The Per way team had a nice early start and managed to complete the re-
railing excercise south of Idridgehay, they also managed to cut out a
bad joint and insert a new closure rail. Again a good production line
was working, with one team cutting the old rail into 60' lengths, then
the relaying team rolling the old rails out and inserting the new
ones, they were properly padded and clipped. This has been a major
task, and everyone has had a really hard couple of days. Thanks must go
to Dave Newby, who turned out on a rare day off to fit a new belt to
the Disc Cutter which shredded itself yesterday. He managed to fit it
and deliver the cutter to Idridgehay. In the interim we were using the
old reciprocating saw which we have not used for several years.
Elsewhere, the 03 had more paint applied to turn it from blue to
green, and some shunting was carried out in the yard, including the
return of the hopper waggons after routine brake and lubrication checks
at the weekend.
A small number of passengers ventured up the Incline.
Phil
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________________________________________________
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Tues 16th Sept
A good turnout of per way lads ensured that 360' of rail was replaced
south of Idridgehay on the Up leg. This involved disc cutting the
existing CWR which is badly side cut and replacing with new (er) 113A
rails. The joints have been plated for the time being but may be welded
up in the not too distant future. The new rails are fully padded and
have their new nylons fitted - a pucker job. This work will continue
tomorrow. Some logs were collected o the return trip.
The VCT planted two posts at Wirksworth station entrance ready for new
signage. They then went to the Jebbs Lane area for more clearance work
as well as some painting of the metal safety rails on some
underbridges.
The Steam Team have been needle gunning the tank and started on the
boiler of No 3 .
The Passenger Services dept have hired a carpet cleaner to attack some
of the grubby areas - it does not appear to be working properly as my
carpet is still dirty!
Martin was very busy with business enquiries. What with 'Clementine '
departing for London and the next loco now booked in, as well as some
more Testing work coming, things are looking quite busy again.
Once again, a good turnout is needed for tomorrow to see if we can get
these other rails changed -the train leaves at 0930.
Phil
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Monday, 15 September 2008
Monday 15th September 2008
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Progress Sunday 14th September
First a note about yesterday evening's very pleasant charter and buffet
party, attended by a number of friends and relations of a well-known
local family as well as members of the Board; who duly were returned
safe home in the usual selection of wheelbarrows.
Today proved equally pleasant and a steady day's passenger business was
done in quite delightful weather. A coach party was received from Kent,
staying in Sheffield and having visited Chatsworth and Carsington, made
us their one and only railway, to our considerable satisfaction and theirs.
Thanks to all concerned.
John Ball Duty Manager via Anton
Friday, 12 September 2008
Friday 12th September 2008
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Thursday 11th September 2008
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Wed 10th Sept
Well the big bang came and went, we did our bit and fired up Farraday
using the molecule accelerator, and sped down the track with great
bursting of energy.
However, having come through the black hole, the per way team were
very busy at Shottle, where stone was dropped at the start of the
siding, to create a new RRAP - more stone will be dropped tomorrow. The
curved closure rail into the siding was replaced, and is a perfect fit.
Numerous KT clips were replaced in the pointwork. Many plates were
taken off and lubricated, several replacement holes were drilled in
rail ends.
A scene of recent flooding was dug out and a new channel dug. This
should resolve the situation until a digger is brought in.
Back at base, more restoration work was carried out on the Shark brake
van. A few passengers ventured up the Incline . The vehicle from
Boris's town continued Testing.
Basically a lovely sunny day - or was that the glow of oblivion , and
are we now in a parallel universe?
Phil
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Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Tues 9th Sept
Yet another wet day. When is summer this year?
The Steam team got the tank for No 3 onto the Pit Road and managed to
flush it out as well as give it a good scrub and descale.
The Per way team collected various short lengths of rail from the
Bogie siding, these were taken to the CWR south of Idridgehay where we
will start rerailling next week (hopefully). The short pieces of 5 or 6
meters will be used to replace the bad joints, and will be used as
closure lengths and will be plated up. They also recovered another
wagon of logs on the return Journey.
The VCT were busy at Duffield where a large tree had come down between
the Tunnel and the A6 Bridge - this was chopped into smaller bits, they
also did some cutting back at Holloway road crossing.
The IMT walked the Incline, before checking the drains on the 'Racing
Straight'.
Everyone got wet and muddy today, time for a hot bath.
Phil
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Monday, 8 September 2008
Monday 8th September 2008
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Progress Report Sunday 7th Sept 2008
A day in which balmy summer weather prevailed for, oh, almost four
hours, and which gave our drains a brief respite before the heavens
opened again about 3.00pm. As yesterday, the car park was happily full
and we had a better day in terms of passengers and in the buffet car
than yesterday; as ever with Wirksworth Festival it brings to us many
people who would not ordinarily have found the railway. Our own cadets
performed manfully in the car park and work was also carried out by Rod
and the duty conscript on the narrow gauge, which is now looking very
well. Mr Lyne reported on the excellent beer and popular entertainment
to be had at the Royal Oak after the train service, especially on Mardi
Gras nights. Duffield station was inspected and work was being
undertaken by the staff of that station on some curiously large weeding.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Sat 6th Sept 2008 Progress
Well, what a washout! Heavy rain that had been falling yesterday and all day today made the track formation just passable in places - so if it rains again tonight, check tomorrow first thing!
In terms of visitors, the car park was rammed full all day with visitors to the Wirksworth Festival but unfortunately only a few hardy souls ventured through our door and on to the train. Just shows the value of manning the car park at this event.
A "Day with the Driver" was held with great success. The gentleman, who is a Boeing 747 pilot by trade, was fascinated by the heritage technology that we have on display and was very complementary.
Down the yard, progress continued on the 03 in its transition from blue to green and the Class 20 group were performing bits of maintenance in the comfort of the shed.
Hopefully a better day tomorrow, not least weather-wise...
Mike via Leigh
Friday, 5 September 2008
Friday 5th September 2008
Comprehensive Fare Guide Published
I have uploaded a table that comprehensively lists all fares that we have at the EVR as a guide. This can be found under the "Trains, tickets and Timetable" section of the website.
Cheers,
Leigh
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Thursday 4th September 2008
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Wed 3rd Sept
Another early start with some visitors from Berlin testing two rather
large machines. They came specially from Germany on Monday night for
their test this afternoon, they leave from Harwich at about 2100
tonight. As the machines were two Flash Butt welders, I dared to
suggest that they may need to demonstrate it and by a chance we have
many rails ready to weld - we may get something.
The Per way team filled in the Bogie siding with high class load
bearing mud, and then manage to move the two long stay trams up there
thus releasing more space.
More training took part with the class 20. Also the Shark is now
looking more like a solid vehicle after the rotten wood was replaced,
it is now getting painted - between the showers.
Tomorrow sees some sleepers being dropped ready for more D2D work.
Phil
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Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Tues 2nd Sept
A hectic day with much shunting and sorting in the yard, putting
things away following the weekend, and a start made on preparing for
next weekends activities.
The VCT Have been continued work on the main gate to the station, and
the new steel gate is now operational, this restricts out of hours
visits.
The Per way team had a busy day and dropped 720' of flat bottom rail,
ready for re-railing south of Idridgehay. This was a big task. Re-
railing will be starting next Tuesday, when full padding and fitting of
nylons will take place.
The Steam team again continued sorting bits and pieces and are
getting ready for more construction work.
Tomorrow sees a vehicle on test, so the team will be levelling the
bogie siding and putting vehicles onto it.
A new door has been fitted to the Stationmasters Office. Keys are
again restricted.
Phil
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