Aln Valley Railway

Longhoughton Goods Yard - , continuation of general tasks as required; leveling area for the “”trolley line”", moving sleepers to aproximate positions, moving rail, wire brushing the 165DE, inspecting rail crane, sorting track components, etc.,

Longhoughton Goods Yard - BS, DMS, RJ, DT, KSW, TS, SY, IC , continuation of general tasks as required; leveling area for the “”trolley line”", moving sleepers to aproximate positions, moving rail, wire brushing the 165DE, inspecting rail crane, sorting track components, etc., Baz and Dave S arrived shortly after nine and checked over 37995. Roland arrived soon after followed by Dave T and KSW and TS. BS, DMS and IC moved some of the stock round to release some FB rail to use on the “trolley line”. For safety reasons please DO NOT touch either the HPA or the 48DS without prior authorisation. Roland continues to attack crane but unfortunately had his sarnies eaten by the yard dog. He has stripped down the crane body roller ring for refurbishment. Kay, Dave T and SY gave the prepared areas of the 165DE and the 48DS a coat of undercoat. BS, KSW and Ian had a go at removing the brake block hangers in a bid to fee up the brake rigging on the 165DE. There were no passing trains today as the Newcastle to Edinburgh section of the ECML was again under possession.

“Longhoughton Goods Yard - DMS, MH, RJ, DT, KSW , continuation of general tasks as required; leveling area for the “”trolley line”", moving sleepers to aproximate positions, moving rail, wire brushing the 165DE, inspecting rail crane, sorting track components, etc., Dave S bussed it up to Longhoughton arriving shortly after nine and checked over 37995. Tom dropped the genny off. Mark arrived soon after followed by Roland, Dave T and KSW. Roland continues to attack crane. Dave S moved the trailer up to the stockpile with the tractor, and unloaded the wooden sleeper and chairs, but then had a little bit of difficulty reversing the trailer when a wheel hit a rut. Mark, Kay, Dave T wire brushed more of the 165DE and the 48DS and gave the prepared areas a coat of red oxide. DMS, Kay and Mark had a go at removing the brake block hangers in a bid to fee up the brake rigging on the 165DE. Dave then moved the remainder of the society’s concrete sleepers ready to extend the trolley line. No trains as ECML under possession. Pictures from today are at http://www.daveshell.fotopic.net/c1084679.html

Longhoughton Goods Yard and Wooler - BS, RJ, TS, IC, SY, MH, DT, KSW, BC , continuation of general tasks as required, Everyone met up at Longhoughton Baz, Mark, Tom, Scott to Wooler went morning - bits of points disconnected so rail can all now be lifted to Longhoughton. At LGY Roland continues to attack crane. Kay, Dave T working on 165DE assisted by Wooler party on return. Two angle grinders with large wire brushes making considerably improvement on rust removal and start made on red-oxide. TMS, BC hope to bring wooden sleepers and chairs down this week and rail when transport arranged.

Longhoughton Goods Yard - BS, DMS, RJ, TS, IC, KSW, MH, continuation of general tasks as required, Baz and Dave arrived just after nine and set about checking over 37995, checking diesel, oil, and coolant levels. Roland arrived soon after and continued his assault on the crane. Tom continued preparing the McConnell power-arm for use. Baz, Dave and Ian set out more of the “trolley line”. A new volunteer, Mark, dropped in and helped Kay to de-cement the 165DE. The rain was set in for the day though, and 37995 was failed with a wheelslip fault, so an early finish.