 Slideshows :-
Projects :-
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August, September and October 2015
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September the 16th members of the model engineers and members of the forge volunteers got together today to discuss the way forward for the coming year; it was proposed that we meet regularly. The main aim I think was that the two organisations work together more closely. Generally the projects for this year are reaching a conclusion with only bits and pieces of various projects being left to finish. Pete has completed the work on the river bank and the station approaches; Steve and Abigail quickly moved in enhancing the work by planting out the reclaimed riverbank and making it look even better. The extension to the old cartridge shed is also close to finish. This work has gained us much needed space, in the shed, and workshop, where we now have a covered outdoor work space and a very useful cupboard for the barbecue and station signals, it really does look very good. The track from Forge Halt to the steaming bay that we decided to upgrade has reached the top of the hill and only needs two or three lengths to finish, this will be included in the next set of projects. The signal box has had some much needed TLC from Keith who has worked with the skill of a brain surgeon, cutting out all of the rotted timbers and transplanting new wood where required. (And it required a lot) While still under the anaesthetic it was given a face lift too, with Graham and Abigail giving it a fresh coat of paint. At the back of the car park the river has taken out a section of bank side and has undermined several trees. This has no direct effect on the track at the present time, but could cause trouble in the future if not attended to now. We have made a good start on this, which is the last major problem with the bank, and the progress so far has been very good. Ted and our bank side expert Pete, using wellies and waders, assisted by the digger used as a crane, placed large stone blocks across the offending gap, creating the footing of the retaining wall. When this is back filled we should be able to finish the wall without getting our feet wet. Probably the last project this year is the gable ends of the station roof. Again this has been undertaken by Keith, who is rapidly becoming indispensable when it come to anything to do with wood. Take a look at the photos and see the difference. I do know that they are different ends, but he was so quick I hadn't got a chance to photograph the 'before' and 'after' from the same end. |
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April, May, June and July 2015
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So far this month the main task has been to get the track up and running again, so that the Sunday visitors can enjoy their visit more. Abigail is busy as usual with all manner of things, keeping us well supplied with refreshments, and looking after the garden, she also painted the station area benches making them look like new, see photos. Steve is making good progress with the old carriage shed extension, with some of the drains and the rails completed. Sunday the 26th Steve, Abigail, and assistant Keith were busy with the garden, setting out the bedding for the new season. Most parts of the site are looking good at the moment. There are a few bits that would benefit from a bit of tidying up, and that will be sorted in its turn. We had a few visitors who enjoyed riding the trains. |
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Wednesday was warm and sunny for the most part. Abigail was busy with the garden, Steve was busy with the extension, and the lawn was mowed for the first time. Wednesday the 14th of May and the warmest day of the year so far. Abigail is on holiday and we have to make our own cups of tea! That really showed how much we miss her; I just hope she doesn't stay another week. Chris set about and weeded the track, while Pete continued with the new section on bankside that needed rescuing. The digger was put to use again in making the car park and bank top tidy. We still would like to reclaim about another ten metres of river bank which is very badly undermined. When that's done we will only have small sections at the forge end to do if we can find the materials. The digger was also used as a crane for a while on behalf of the forge; moving parts of a huge machine about that is in the process of being restored. Steve has started laying the concrete floor of the old carriage shed extension. We had a visiting birthday party on Sunday and there was quite a crowd of children, all who said they loved Thomas the tank engine. Steve and Abigail were kept busy taking the kids around the track time after time after time. Wednesday morning we were early at the site to welcome a coach load of visitors to the forge, a few of the lady visitors came and had a ride round the track many didn't. Sunday31st and the fault with Abigail's loco has been solved; thanks to Sam’s detective work. Robert grant has re-jigged the jig this should now turn out nice straight track, and to gauge. Wednesday the 10th May and we were mostly busy getting ready for the event in Locke park, loading the trailer and checking that we had all the bits and pieces to hand to make the day a success. Sunday the 14th the day out at Locke Park with the portable track, was very cold and wet, we were really glad when it was over. I think that there is great potential at the park though, and will attend again, hoping for better weather next time. Saturday the 27th another day out with the portable track at Oughtibridge gala. The weather was brilliant with bright warm sunshine and loads of passengers for the trains. We arrived in good time: we were set up and running by twelve o clock. The gala was as ever a really nice occasion with all sorts of things happening, if you haven't visited this little gala I can really recommend it. Keith, Sam's granddad has been displaying his woodworking powers by repairing the signal box, and doing a good job of it too. |
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January, February, March 2015
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| When we arrived at the forge on Sunday the 28th of December, the site was covered with snow and Ice, but the worst was yet to be discovered. We found that the weight of snow and ice, had brought down huge branches and trees, all over the place. At the furthest end the site near the bridge over the river, one fallen tree had temporarily blocked the main road! Fortunately, this was dealt with by the council before our arrival. We could do nothing at the time to improve things so we called it a day and went home about 3.00 pm. | |
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On the 31st December we organised getting the site tidy. Trevor brought his chainsaw and made a good job of getting most of the heavier stuff that was across line reduced to logs. It was then decided to remove two other branches that were considered dangerous. |
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For earlier news items please see the 2014 News Page, the 2013 News page and the News archive which contains items up to November 2012
