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Photo Album: Thuxton Passing Loop Construction
Building Work
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Photo Album: Thuxton Passing Loop Construction
Building Work
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An important part of the project has been the brickwork. We are building a brand new signal box close to the level crossing, in a location that is convenient for the signaller. We are also extending the platform, initially to accommodate 9-coach trains. We have had a significant shortage of capacity, so it seems inevitable that we will need to run trains of this length in the near future.
![Pouring Foundations](javascript:toggle_image ("pour.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The original up platform at Thuxton was only two coaches long, so a train standing at the starter signal would have only the loco and brake coach in the platform, making it very difficult for passengers to get on and off the train.
The first stage was to shutter and pour the foundations. This required 18.5 cubic metres of Flowcrete that we poured from the lorry in the adjacent lane.
25th August 2009. Photo: Bill Collins
![Extending the Platform](javascript:toggle_image ("platform.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
Having built the foundations, we began to brick up the front wall of the new platform.
6th September 2009. Photo: Gary Hall
![Laying Corbels](javascript:toggle_image ("corbels.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
Once the front wall was built, we installed the corbels that provide the support for the overhanging surface of the platform. These need to be extremely heavy in order to support the weight of people standing on the ends. This work was completed by Chris Remon (pictured) and Danny Chaplin.
10th September 2010. Photo: Paul Mobbs
![Laying Tactile Paving](javascript:toggle_image ("tactile.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
Because the Up platform at Thuxton is new, we have to comply with the modern regulations, which require the platform to be provided with tactile paving. Roy and Ernie carried out this work shortly before the platform was brought into use.
September 2010. Photo: Steve Tweed
![Building the Platform Slope](javascript:toggle_image ("slope.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The new up platform at Thuxton is initially being built to a length of 6 coaches. This is long enough to take most of our trains. Now that the platform is complete, it will be surfaced with gravel for the first couple of years to allow the backfill material to settle, before we lay tarmac on top.
10th October 2011. Photo: Ian Martin
![Signal Box Foundations](javascript:toggle_image ("foundations.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The new signal box is set on the side of the low embankment just south of the level crossing. This made it necessary to dig some fairly substantial reinforced concrete foundations.
20th July 2009. Photo: Bill Collins
![The First Block](javascript:toggle_image ("block.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
Once the concrete had set, work could begin on the bricklaying. By the end of the day, the back wall of the box had reached rail height, over a metre above the base of the embankment.
16th August 2009. Photo: Bill Collins
![Back Wall](javascript:toggle_image ("back.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The box will be built largely from brick, using parts recovered from East Winch signal box. We can begin to see how the design will look when it is finished.
5th September 2009. Photo: Bill Collins
![Lintel](javascript:toggle_image ("lintel.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The front of the box will have a wide hole through which the point rodding and signal wires will pass. All of the signalling equipment will be supported on the three rails passing through the front wall, while the rails in the wall will form a lintel to support the brickwork above it. The railways have always been great recyclers, and it is traditional to use worn-out rail for structural purposes such as this.
13th September 2009. Photo: Bill Collins
![Window Arches](javascript:toggle_image ("arches.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The cold winter has held up construction work on the signal box considerably. It is not possible to lay cement when it is frosty, as it will not cure properly and so will crumble as soon as it thaws out. In spite of these setbacks, bricklaying has reached the height of the arches above the lower windows.
7th March 2010. Photo: Bill Collins
![Installing the Window Frames](javascript:toggle_image ("frame.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
In order to give the signaller a full view of movements, the front of the signal box consists entirely of windows. These are to be fitted in the traditional manner, in a wooden frame. The frame was assemble off-site by a contractor, and then craned into place.
12th May 2010. Photo: Bill Collins
![Lodgers](javascript:toggle_image ("lodgers.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
This family of house martins found the new signal box to be to their liking, and so took up residence in Spring 2011. Work had to be held up until they fledged.
11th July 2011. Photo: Bill Collins
![Bricking Up Around the Upstairs Door Frame](javascript:toggle_image ("door.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
With the front of the box installed, the back wall could be bricked up. Here, we can see the bricks being installed around the door of the box.
23rd July 2011. Photo: Owen Stratford
![Building the Roof of the Box](javascript:toggle_image ("rafters.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
With the walls of the box now at their full height, attention turned to the roof.
7th October 2011. Photo: Toby Rawlings
![Installing Planks on the Roof](javascript:toggle_image ("planks.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The rafters are clad with planks of wood, on top of which traditional slates will be fitted. Here we can see Gary and Toby putting the roof on.
7th October 2011. Photo: Ian Martin