Hi
It seems ages since we updated our site, and it is ! so, we have been keeping fairly busy with a few things ! The installation of the new refuge siding is almost complete with the trackwork and points in and ballasted, the point levers fitted and the ground signals that will control entry and exit to the siding, made and installed.
The refuge track installed
Peter is working on the alterations required to the ‘computer’ system that will control the signals and Kevin has fabricated magnetic switches that will alter the signals indication once the point lever is thrown. So we are optimistically excited to see it all working, the siding will be a very useful addition that will allow locos/trains to move off the main line for whatever reason, mainly, we think to water and build up steam on the locos, leaving the main line clear…
Testing the ground signals
We have also been working away tweaking the track as necessary and have almost done with just the last part of the old layby siding to be done.
Kevin and Thomas have been working diligently on the Tram loco which is coming on well, they are now deliberating on how they will make the cow catchers! The loco was shown at the recent Lowmex exhibition at Lowestoft (strangely!) where it was well received , (as was John’s tug). So the loco is almost ready for some paint to be applied, then it will look really smart!
Peter’s ‘Prospero’ recently had some work done to it as there was a problem with the welds around the smokebox, so Peter arranged with Station Road Steam for them to remedy the problem. This required the loco to be stripped down to the basic boiler which Kevin and Thomas did, then it was loaded into Peter’s car for the trip up to Lincolnshire, where Peter and Jennifer took the opportunity to have a few days visiting Friends in the area. The loco is now back at the EVFR where the boiler metal thickness has been checked, by Brian B and Keith, in various places to ensure there was no thinning of the boiler, and the internal inspection done that is also part of the 10 year inspection with the cladding removed.
Prospero ready for its Lincolnshire trip