Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Tuesday 31st March 2009
Monday, 30 March 2009
Monday 30th March 2009
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Progress Sunday the 29th of March
After complaining about the seeming never ending lousy weather, today
was find and sunny - notwithstanding an early light covering of snow.
The Ravenstor service ran smoothly with passengers on every train and
the buffet car and shop had a productive day. The day with a driver went
well and all our guests enjoyed themselves with lunch provided.
A small selection of conscripts were delegated to attend to the second
compartment of the 119 which is now less rusty; other work in the 119
included having its underparts scraped and continuing work on the
engines. Also in engineering, the steam team proceeded with bedding in
the axles box brasses for Ferrybridge No3.
Following on from yesterday's rubbish clearance of the Hannages, more
rubbish was removed from around the Museum line. Various painting jobs
were attended to including the barge boards on the Shunters Cabin; the
Ladies floor; the Ladies outer toilet door; the Gents door weather
boarding; the Mess Room exterior skirtings; the Training Room door jambs
and the south west corner of the Shunters Cabin.
Many thanks to all
John Ball Duty Manager via Anton
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Progress Saturday 28th March 2009
A strange sort of day with warm sunshine interspersed with heavy hail showers! Nevertheless, it didn't stop progress all over the empire. I wonder if progress will start OK tomorrow with the clocks altering tonight!
Today the Passenger Department were out in force making alterations to the shelving inside the Booking Hall as well as picking litter from the Hannages right to Gorsey Bank in conjunction with Tidy Up Wirksworth Day. In the meantime todays conscript made good use of spare stone from the ballast dock.
Down the yard, the Cemetary Lane up siding retaining wall was landscaped and some grass seed sewed.Also in that vicinity, two volunteers had driver and guards training on the Narrow Gauge line in preparation for the Easter opening. I'm told the route learning part was the most difficult part of the whole training course.
Towards the shed there was people everywhere. Inside, loud noises could be heard from a needle gun as work continued on Hydra whilst outside, work continued apace on the Class 119 project. Engine No.2 now has full power to the starter motor. The cause of voltage loss previously discovered was due to corrosion inside the Battery Isolation Switch. This is hardly suprising with it having stood since 1992! Needless to say that it was easily rectified.
Carline Drains and Co had a break from drainage and instead attended to some brash that has been loitering for a while near 49 steps.
A good day in the end,
Mike Evans
Friday, 27 March 2009
Supplementary Friday 27th March 2009
Friday 27th March 2009
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Thursday 26th March 2009
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Wed 25th March
Work continued on Hydra with more removal of old paint/rust and the
application of new primer and paint. The end of the paint job is in
sight, I am informed. This is good work by the 70's duo and the
teenager!
On the adjacent road in the shed, Rod continued with the re roofing of
the Shark and general tidying up after major body work over the last
few months.
Contractors from Tarmac have ben engaged by them to repair the recent
rockfall above the tunnel mouth next to the nrrow gauge station in the
carpark - work starts next week.
The big project was again at Shottle, wherean 0800 start meant that
most of the dig was completed by the time that the works train arrived,
which works out very well. Two panels were stripped yesterday. With the
strong winds and blustery showers, we had trouble with the lasers, but
struggled on. the team were able to report all sleepers in by mid
morning, and by the end of the day all rails had been laid out and one
panel had been spiked down. The uplifted spoil was dumpered towards the
platform and has been levelled off to creat more base for the loop -
nothing is wasted.Tomorrow will see this section of the relay completed
- if we have a good turnout.
Talking of a good turnout, I am toying with the idea of completing the
relay through Shottle station as far as Shottle south junction in one
hit. 13 panels out, dug, and rebuilt within a week. This is a real
challenge and will take place after Easter. It will mean having works
teams for every day. There is a logistics problem but we shall overcome.
- one day.This is likely to be in early May.
The Shop was fairly busy today, possibly people hanging around since
yesterday.
Tomorrow sees the VCT picking up their vehicle at Shottle, and working
around the Erosion site near Hazlewood, a digger working south from
Shottle towards A3/F8, the Per way team nailing down another panel as
well as changing some fishplates in the Loop.Exciting times!
Phil
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Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Tues 24th Mar
Once again work took place at three seperate areas on site. In the
Maintenance shed, Roy, Les Steve and Will had a hard day chipping and
painting Hydra. Rod worked on the roof of the Shark, whilst the Dream
Steam Team worked on the tank of No 3 as well as the bearings.
At Shottle, the Per way team dismantled two panels of track ready for
fesleepering tomorrow.
At the erosion site near Hazlewood, the VCT made a big start in
clearing the river bank ready for work to start on re-instating the
river bank, this included two bonfires.
The Booking Hall was not covered again, until Pat L wandered in after
lunch and he was volunteered to cover it.
A guest was using the facilities today to perfect their machines for
moving rails
Tomorrow sees work at Shottle from 0800, the train bringing staff
leaves wirksworth at 0930.
Phil
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Monday, 23 March 2009
Monday 23rd March 2009
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Progress Sunday 22 march 2009
A day of many parts, some of them chilly, but the morning had been sunny
and Carline Enterprises washed two yellow road-rail vehicles before
giving Ravenstor some necessary attention. The Booking Hall dealt with a
modest number of passengers and half the Heanor football team visited
the buffet car, but Passenger Services was mainly occupied with stuffing
the pre-Easter promotional mail out. Work also took place to repair the
door frame of the Training Room.
The Global Marketing Department and its wobbly dog attended to provide
staff and other interested parties with information on the new
Share-Save scheme, a link to which can doubtless be found below this
valuable email.
In the engineerium, the Steam Team proceeded with Ferrybridge Number 3
and the Class 119 Appreciation Society turned their attention to the
exhaust parts of that vehicle, as well as being assisted with work on
the window frames. The Class 20 had its internal-external checklists
checked and its staff certified.
Duffield Station received attention to the main entrance and this is now
wonderous tidy to the considerable amazement of all concerned, for which
there will doubtless be a short report shortly. Or possibly a long
report shortly.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Progress Report 21.3.2009
Friday, 20 March 2009
Friday 20th March 2009
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Thursday 19th March 2009
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Wed 18th March
The Per way team set off for Shottle stopping on the way to do a final
fix of the cross drains on the Racing Straight, as well as pick up
various plates and clamps released by the welding team. At Shottle two
rails were dragged clear of the temporary crossing, some more sleepers
were changed. whilst others were prepped. The 'Dunbancin' arms at
Shottle recieved further attention and a new lock has been fitted.
The Narroe Gauge line saw Driver Training and Route learning.
The outstanding thing of the day was one of our guests bringing a
trolley for testing. This vehicle had a raised working area and was
pushed gingerly onto the canted track. It went right onto the 150mm
section and stayed upright, but had the appearance of the Pisa Tower
Builders earlier work. This was witnessed by the Network Rail Vehicle
Acceptance Body who were most impressed. The test also showed some
areas where minor modifications are needed to the vehicle, but the test
was most successful. More testing on the Incline tomorrow by other
vehicles.
Tomorrow sees more stone being dropped on the Racing Straight and at
Shottle.
Phil
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_________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Tues 17th March
Another big day with activity spread out over a wide area.
The DST painted their wheels in the shed, as well as visiting the
boiler for No 3. where more work is progressing at a rapid pace.
Hydra had more old paint removed whilst the 70's duo applied fresh
paint, some red oxide one one side and grey undercoat to the previously
painted areas.
The Logging dept were working and also had a bonfire
The class 20 took the works train to Shottle where the Komatsu loaded
some rails onto the Sturgeon and returned with them to Wirksworth where
they were offloaded in the 4' of road 2 ready to act as test rails for
a customer.
Indeed the Per way team were split into 3 teams, with one team re-
measuring and confirming the canted track at Gorsey Bank which will be
used for testing very shortly. Another team managed to change 6
sleepers south of Shottle. whilst the third team moved rails. This was
the first time that the Komatsu has been used in a crane mode, for
loading and unloading a rail at at time, it worked well and was changed
back to flailing mode at the end of the day.
The VCT are now working south of A3, and reported a 3 fire day.
DRE (S&T Branch) continued sorting and cleaning bits and pieces for
the new interlocking and pointwork at Shottle and Duffield.
Dave N reports that the leak in the Gents has been repaired, he
informs me that the way to cure a leak is not to slap several coats of
paint over it!
The Mess room had its weekly deep clean.
Tomorrow sees work at Shottle, but the works train will depart from
Wirksworth.
Phil
Tiscali Services - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/services
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Monday, 16 March 2009
Monday 16th March 2009
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Progress Sunday 15th March 2009
Altogether a long but very productive day aided with some beautiful spring-like weather.
Excellent passengers numbers were seen onboard the Ravenstor service, probably due to the weather. We also held another "Day with the Driver" experience today and this was a great success. The gentleman and his guests enjoyed a full day at the railway complemented with lunch in the buffet car. They enjoyed it so much that they assured us that they would be back sometime shortly.
Down the yard, more work continued on the Class 119 restoration project. This project really seems to be motoring along at the moment, with the installation of part of the ceiling yesterday and major progress on under-side components today. The team was rather hoping to have No.2 engine running by the end of today but a minor snag with a fitting caused things to slow down a bit and in the end, the light was lost. It is more than likely that this engine will be running next week.
Today's conscript did well to fill in some of the deep pot holes in the station car park.
Wirksworth's Stationmaster attempted to fix a leak on one of the toilets but admitted temporary defeat. I'm sure he will be back for round two. He then took advantage of the good weather and finished painting the wagon that had been started a few weeks ago.
Thanks to all concerned,
John Ball
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Progress Saturday 14th March 2009
A splendid day with many members of the public coming to peruse our enterprise and have their pockets shaken by the Booking Hall and EVRA shop at the same time.
To be honest, pretty much all of the progress today was on the 119 restoration project, with ten people working on the vehicle. A milestone was reached with help from a professional. The First Class Smoking compartment now has a ceiling. Of course this will need further attention to make it look nice but its in and up. Underneath, various people began the mammouth task of reconnecting some of the components together that will enable the vehicle to move under it's own power once again. Still a long way off yet, but a promising start.
Mike Evans
Friday, 13 March 2009
Friday 13th March
The welders were let into Shottle site at 0800 and had a long push to
the scene of their work near Willow Crossing. They managed 4 welds for
the day, they will be back tomorrow and will be accessing at
Idridgehay.
The 0800 arrival of the Shottle Office suite was delayed by vehicle
defect by the delivery staff but finally arrived at around 12.00
allowing some time for a bit of routine work at Shottle site. The
toilet block was resited to create maximum parking.
One of our guests turned up for some on track experience, arriving at
1330.
The IMT patrolled Gorsey Bank and thge Ravenstor Branch, and also
greased up the Wash Green crossover.
Some further work was carried out on the 119 coach
Passenger services dept restained the timbers around the garden on the
Concourse on Platform 1 and welcomed a few visitors.
Phil
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Thursday, 12 March 2009
Thursday 12th March 2009
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Wednesday 11th March 2009
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Tues 10th March
We start with the Dream Steam Team today, they have spent the day re-
uniting the springs onto the frame of No 3. This is another achievment
as re building is now in full swing. Next door, Hydra continues to be
needle gunned and shows good signs of progress.
Work on the shed continues with most of the front being completed
above the doors, once again extra bits were obtained.
The Class 20 took the Works train to Shottle where another 14 sleepers
were changed. Whilst there the 20 was refuelled (the first at a remote
location). After that the 20 disgraced itself! Faraday was summoned and
was able to retrieve the works train.
The VCT continued clearance work just south of the Per way team and
were mob handed on site.
The S&T dept were working flat out in Hatch's Hut sorting out much of
the bits required for Shottle and Duffield.
Of the visitors, one failed to appear due to problems back at their
base, they will be coming tomorrow. The next Battery loco No. L 46,
has just arrived and will be brought round to Platform 1.
The new office suite for Shottle is en route and will land later this
week. The Booking Hall was manned up and had a few visitors to have a
look around.
Due to a very fluid situation, members should report to Wirksworth
tomorrow.
Phil
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Monday, 9 March 2009
Monday 9th March 2009
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Progress Sunday 8th March 2009
The first day of the new timetable today with pleasing passenger loadings despite the weather - in fact, the first train of the day had exremely pleasing numbers onboard!
Activity has been on several fronts during the day with a limited number of volunteers on site.
1) The Booking Hall received plenty of visitors throughout the day who were very complementary about the station and the work that has been carried out.
2) The Class 119 team were in action down the yard. They have cleaned up the fuel filler pipes and caps as well as prepared a saloon for receiving its ceiling panels.
3) The buffet car was open for teas, coffees and light refreshments.
4) The Stationmaster has performed various jobs around the area, including fitting another light into the Ladies, mending a step and moving a table from down the yard. The owner of said table only had his back turned for one minute during a snow shower, came out of the cabin and found it was gone!
5) Work was undertaken on the Narrow Gauge in preparation for the opening.
6) Carline Drains and Co travelled to Duffield in the lorry after the Land Rover disgraced itself this morning and they managed another day of lovely drainage work.
7) At the back of the shed, the Dream Steam Team were hard at work on their shiny wheelsets that have just returned.
Many thanks to all,
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Progress Report 7.3.2009
Friday, 6 March 2009
Friday 6th March 2009
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Thursday 5th March 2009
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Wed 4th March
Another one of those - what - a - day reports.
The main Per way team were busy at Shottle, a panel of track for the
Loop was drilled and attachec, some work carried out on Jack 'n' pack
of the Loop to make it more suitable to run a stone Hopper on, After
lunch the team made a start on the re-sleepering south from Shottle
South Junction. They managed a very respectful 13 sleepers in the
afternoon. .
The Komatsu was busy on the Racing Straight,m all the big tree root
balls were uplifted and relocated so that nature can take its course
with them. The Down side between the bottom Cross Drain as far as Derby
Road 2 bridge ,was graded which will make it easier to flail.
Back at base, needle guning of Hydra continued and a start made on
machining some bits and pieces for the loco. The Narrow Gauge train was
again attacked with the paint brushes by Rod and Mary. More logs were
prepared for selling. and the Booking Hall had a few vistors whilst the
Buffet Car had further attention before the new flooring arrives later
in the week.
Just a note that Shottle will have no road access tomorrow. VCT and
Per way will have to travel by rail. This is due to work on the
services in the area.
Phil
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__________________________________________
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Tues 3rd Mar
Today should have been a training day for the Flail operators, apart
from the fact that the trainer again failed to attend!, So the VCT part
of the trainees went to Shottle south and continued with clearance
work. Some maintenance work was carried out on the Komatsu.
There was a large shunt in Wirksworth yard to park things up after the
weekend event. The Per way team then went to Shottle and ran out 30
sleepers south of Shottle ready for relaying work.
The Steam Team took delivery of the new wheels for N0 3, these were on-
tracked and rolled into the shed, where a gang set to work cleaning
them ready for painting, some of the motion also arrived back on site
. Work on the boiler continued off site - so things are starting to
take shape again.
Some sorting out in the S&T stores took place to find out what we have
got and to draw up a shopping list. Several mechanical Facing Point
Locks are required, numerous lengths of rodding etc.( If anyone has any
in their lofts or garages.., donations would be accepted!
Some further painting of the Narrow Gauge rolling stock also took
place as did some work by the logging department. A little light
gardening took place opposite the Booking Hall. The Booking Hall staff
had a chance to take stock after the weekend.
By Lunch time the rains started coming down and continued all
afternoon.
Tomorrow sees per way work at Shottle, with spot resleepering being
the order of the day - tools on trolleys please. No works loco.
Phil
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