31st January 2010

The light snow showers forecast for Friday evening managed to drop 4” snow on the area – again. First up again was clearing the paths and platforms where we needed access before we could get on with our jobs.
The main project was fitting three CCT doors properly, which was easier said than done. Several adjustments were required before they hung correctly and rolled back and fro correctly. A lot more metalwork has also been fitted including draught straps, door runners, door stops and handrails.
Inside the warmth of the General Room several old notice boards, ex film props from 30 years ago, are being cleaned down ready for re-use in the new exhibition next year (2011).
The S&T have continued works for the HD link both at Newbridge and Levisham.

24th January 2010

We have been fencing and van-ing this weekend. The new NER design fence has been extended alongside the Camping Coach and the area levelled and tidied up as we progressed. 17 posts were installed in holes 3’ deep.
The CCT has been placed alongside the Up platform by the PW Dept during the week. This has allowed us direct access off the platform for installing the new doors on the East side. The first activity was removing the final original door, some of it by shovel. Although the wood work was rotten the metalwork is not too bad. The metalwork has now been cleaned down and primed.
The new doors have been offered into place and are temporarily held in place. This is the first time in over 20 years that the van has had all its doors fitted!
The type 1 stone has been transported into the paddock and the site is ready now for the BR sectional hut to be re-erected.

17th January 2010

Well the snow has diminished down to a manageable level although the heavy rain on the Saturday brought the rivers next to us up to maximum. The bottom third of the paddock was flooded on Saturday afternoon.
Work has continued on the CCT with a major tidy up and sort out inside. It is now possible to get down the full length of the vehicle (the first time in many years). The van is hopefully going to be shunted by the PW Dept into the station so we can hang the 3 East side doors more easily and repair the main frame at the south end.
We have also recommenced work on the yard fencing with a large section of the existing Camping Coach fence removed and 2 new fence posts installed – only another 16 or so to go!

9th January 2010

Well, we have 15" of snow down here and very pretty it looks too. Guess we will be working inside today, not much chance of working on the new hut in the paddock! CHeck the latest pics for todays photos. No trains yet.

2nd January 2010

Well a Happy New Year to all our readers! Its been snowing again - no surprise with a couple of inches yesterday and a similar amount today. Its not stopped the work though, although we did have a partial day off yesterday - our annual day off. It was partial as we had to clear the station and points before we could go Goathland for a walk to Water Ark and a final look at Bridge 30. Today after clearing the station of snow (again), we dismantled the siezed brakegear on the LNER high goods wagon, cleaned the rust off the parts and applied a protective coat of bitumastic. We have also commenced clearing the timber from under the CCT ready for its move into the station once the trains have finished.