The first autumn job was the repair of the tunnel roof. We started by removing the temporary cover put on last winter – here it is laid out in the field ready to be folded up and taken off site (yes, it really is that big!)Next, the waterproof membrane and timber cladding was put on, and the roof covered with stone. The repaired tunnel roof, ready for winter. A massive thank you to the team at Volker Laser who kindly donated materials and expertise for this project.Another winter job is re-sleepering. Here the volunteers are replacing worn-out sleepers near the station.The ever-useful works loco, Bessie, was used to bring ballast for the new sleepers.More track work, here making repairs to the point switchblades. Bessie the works engine is in use again.Another ongoing job is ditch clearing, to keep water flowing and not flooding the track. This year we are trialing a section of pipe, to test flow capacity.
One of the carriage bogies needed maintenance work doing to its brakes, so the opportunity was taken to send it off-site to be stripped down and refurbished at the same time. Parts were disassembled, cleaned up and repainted. A worn axle was turned down, a new brake shoe fitted and everything put back together, ready for the next running season.
Now the lineside fence is almost complete, it was time to take down the broken fence on the inside of the engine shed loop. The fence used to surround the mini golf putting green in the old Whorlton Lido days, but is no longer needed, as this area is now a good place for wildlife.
Two diseased ash trees have been felled for safety. Both were directly next to the railway line and could have been dangerous if dead branches fell. Thanks to one of the Volker Laser contractors these have now been made safe, ready for the running season.
Winter wildlife: (left) Earthstar fungus amongst the pine trees at the station, and (right) a robin looking for food in the brash pile.
