Aln Valley Railway

Longhoughton Goods Yard - DMS, BS, DT, KSW, MH, continuaion of general work, Once again we proved that it is possible for a small team to achieve quite a bit. A little bit of time was lost trying to get the tractor started as the battery seemed a little bit down, Mitzi was started but also had a sluggish battery and used to jump the tractor. Baz knocked in some fence posts to create a temporary post and rail fence where we had removed the mesh fence to allow Network rail and contractors access to the yard. We also had another sweep of the site for rubbish and odd bits lying around; as a PR friend of mine says “image is everything” and although it is acceptable for the stock to look a bit rough, it helps our image no end if rubbish is disposed off and there are no bits and bobs left lying about. (before anyone comments I know I am just as guilty). Dave T and Kay left just as another shower started, so Baz and Dave decided to break for lunch. While sitting in Mitzi eating it was suggested that it may be an idea just seeing if we could work out the wiring on the plugs for the remote traction leads on the Permaquip. With the engine running Dave shorted out two of the contacts and the machine responded by sounding the reverse alarm and the wheels turning. A change of wire and the wheels turned the other way. Mark H then turned up and it was agreed to work out a jump on a relay for a non existent proximity switch. It turned out that this had been done before but the wire had been removed at some point. Once the wire was reinstated we tried operating the deadmans in reverse – once again the alarm sounded and the wheel turned – success! So we jacked the machine up on the turntable ram, removed the sleeper chocks, and set it back down on rail again. Now came the real test – would it move again and more importantly stop when the handle was released! The answer was yes, so we trundled up and down our 120ft a couple of times – probably to the amusement of the passing services on the ECML! So on to the next tasks: sort out the rest of the electrics (lights, siren, etc); clean up the engine; fit new filters, refit proper fuel tank and lines; and then tidy up body work; refit windows; etc. etc. etc.! Today’s pictures are available at http://daveshell.fotopic.net/c1139909.html