Aln Valley Railway

Longhoughton Goods Yard - BS, DMS, DT, TS, RJ, SY, GH, KSW, continuation of overhaul of the brake rigging on the 48DS, checking over the tractor, and site tidying, Reasonable day mainly sunny - Baz and Dave arrived just after nine and started by checking over the tractor, checking diesel, oil, and coolant levels. Dave S attended to an errant hydraulic hose with new hose clips being put on for now; ultimately all hoses will be replaced. Once the tractor was sorted Baz set about moving the soil fill. Dave Thornton and Scott prepared the buffers, and gave them a coat of hammerite, and then a coat of bitumastic black – they are now looking very smart. Some of the black was also used to cover the graffiti on the HPA, its also now looking smarter. Roland has taken on the challenge of freeing up the rail crane. Kay continued cleaning up the Jones yard crane, and the cable drum has been removed to allow the brake to be checked. Tom and Gavin have made a start on checking over the McConnell back actor attachment. During the day the following item of note passed: 43062 & 43013 on 1Z19 the New Measurement Train to Craigentinny (Serco lads giving a blast); 87028 on 1Z68 08:18 Kings X-Edinburgh ‘Blue Pullman’ charter (the FM driver giving a quick toot!). 67029 on 1Z70 London Victoria-Edinburgh Northern Belle.