It took over a year of trying to get this addition to the track started but eventually we did it. David's Siding was where our former chairman set out his engines so that he could access them from his customary running position in the centre of the circuit. But the siding was never connected to the running track and so it was decided to turn the siding into a loop and connect it up to the main line.
Intended to be accessible only from the centre of the circuit, the idea is to get more members to cross the bridge and run from the middle. This spot has its own steam up table and kit storage area had been underused since David left. It is also a great position from which to interact with the public.
We decided to turn this particular Wednesday into a work day. Two working parties were set up, one doing the track and the other using jacks to lift the corner of the hut that had sunk a bit due to a long run of very dry weather. Brian took some excellent photos and, of course, supplied the commentary
Just because there’s track laying going on, that’s no reason not to get Thomas out.
Mike Riley getting down to the point of the whole exercise – a new loop off the lower main line.
Both points in place and the “main line” track coming on.
Normal service was soon resumed on the upper level.
“This point need some work”……………..
Not QUITE meeting up – hopefully the mug of tea helped!
Elsewhere, efforts were being made to stop That Sinking Feeling in one corner of the clubhouse, caused by the very dry weather. The first attempt was with a piece of wood, but even MY weight couldn’t do the business, so………………
………… the hydraulic jack came into play – job done!
Back to the loop – getting the levels right……………
“Why don’t you do it THIS way???”
A start made on fixing the main line down to its concrete base.
“Hang on – we’ll roll the rail to get the curve right.”
“Are you SURE you’ve got the rail the right way up?”
“That’s a LOT better!”
“All we’ve got to do now is to get the loop track down………..”
The new loop from under the bridge…………
The first train makes its cautious way through the loop.
“It’s no use giving Mike his tea – his head’s turned into a bush!”
With the loop ballasted, test running was used to settle things down………
The next circuit was MUCH better!
The opportunity was taken to advance the training of the next generation of loco operators…….
Brushing the ballast into place………….
Fittingly, the first steam train through the loop was Mike’s own…………
Mike's slate train standing in David's Loop
Slate train moving off past the new sign.
Photos by Brian.
Lillian waiting to take on water in David's Loop.
Photo by Eric.
If you have more photos to add to this or other galleries then please send them to bgrawebsite@gmail.com.