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Latest News: Archive
July 2002
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Latest News: Archive
July 2002
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By Paul Mobbs and Barney Stratford.
Today, the PW team carried on with the task of preparing to re-lay Norwich Road crossing in Dereham. Rails, having been delivered to site, were sorted so that they could be cut to the required length. The running rails already in situ were then cut beyond the crossing. This moved all fishplates clear of the tarmac and also provided fresh ends that are not worn. Holes were drilled in the fresh ends and a start was made on cutting the new rails to length.
Further progress was made on cutting rails for the relaying of the crossing. Due to an unforseen problem the rails that had been brought up for the new check rails were deemed unsuitable. As a result four new rails were identified and removed from panels stacked in the yard. Sleepers were also positioned in order to begin construction of the panels and some check chairs were screwed down.
The final rails were cut and work began on construction of the track panels. The check rails were bent at the ends using a 'Jim Crow', and the first panel was constructed. Rails were placed and lined up before being keyed into the correct position. Work was also started on the second panel, with sleepers positioned and fixed down. The rails were also lifted on top.
The final panel was assembled and everything tightened up. Now we are ready to re-lay the crossing when we receive the go-ahead. As we finished early, some odd jobs were carried out in the yard.
Today was spent working on the new siding at Dereham. The panels laid approximately in place were adjusted and joined together. Damaged sleepers were also replaced. Six panels were completed in this way. Some of the rail ends had to be cut and drilled as well.
Danemoor Bank was once again the location for referruling. A further 900 were changed, and this leaves just over one day's work required to complete the task in this section. We were helped by cooler weather with occasional light showers to cool us off!
This was one of the hottest days spent out on the track so far this year, and the slower pace of work reflected that. We were working again on the siding in Dereham. Two more panels were assembled and then the corner and adjoining straight were lined up. This took a few hours of work with a team wielding crowbars. The result is making a dramatic change to the appearance of that end of the yard. Work stopped when the rail temperature reached 48.5°C! (We need to measure the rail temperature in order to get correct thermal expansion gap between lengths of rail.)
Another hot day. We spent the morning moving ballast into places where it is required at Dereham. In the afternoon we went to Wymondham to check some measurements on the site of the run round in order to calculate the amount of ballast required.
By Richard Cullen.
Reg has spent two days working on the Great Eastern Railway carriage body stored on platform two at County School. He would shortly like to permanently fit the new roofing fabric, but additional volunteer help with this project will be needed before much more progress can be made. Please contact the railway if you can help.
With the restoration of the northern footpath complete, the temporary diversion onto the formation has been lifted and the gap in the fence has been closed. This will hopefully prevent the public from unwittingly wandering into staff only areas. The fence between the meadow (formerly the north yard) and the formation will be restored shortly.
David was busy with his mower and has cut the orchard, haul road and picnic areas again. Richard has been continuing to remove the batteries from the Gloucester 100, which is proving quite a challenge as the cells have been happy in their present homes for the last 30+ years! He has also carried out some vegetation work on the footpaths as part of our neverending battle against the brambles.
By Roy Malyon, Ernie Woolley and Barney Stratford.
On the approach to Wymondham Abbey Station, there is a lovely view across the watermeadows. Unfortunately, this was obscured by trees, so we went out and cleared them away. The lineside has also been strimmed, and the mowings burnt. This will encourage the growth of wild flowers as well as keeping the line tidy.
Barney and Roy went out to spray the embankment near Yaxham that was cleared of vegetation over the winter. We are spraying with a selective weedkiller that will prevent the scrub from re-growing, while leaving the grass unharmed. Once that job was finished, we sprayed the vegetation that is growing up the back fence at Dereham Station.
Steve Tweed spent another day spraying weeds in the Station area and in the yard and his efforts are showing great results.
By Tony Hendry.
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Photo: Tony Hendry |
Work is still ongoing to the platform roof at Dereham but Tony is getting on well. It's a large job and out of view to the public and our members. When finished it will mean we can go ahead with the cleaning and repainting of the underside.