General improvement works

 General improvement works 

07/07/21

By Robert Law

Since the last update lot’s of little jobs have been completed! Somethings still being difficult with Covid-19 regulations, others been difficult because of scaffolding around the Boat of Garten North signal box. The electrical wiring works within the North Signal box has been left for now until the painting gang completed there work to keep numbers within and around the structure at a Covid safe level. They are a very dedicated team and always seen to be there when we turn up.

Improvements have been made to the Aviemore Station north Ground Frame, new operator instructions have been mounted on to the back board, for operators to follow. Hopefully this will help, when the operator forgets what they are doing with the GF...

It was also identified that the loop stop board was of poor condition and required replacement. Yes it has been modified from it’s original wording but is quite clear on what needs to be done.

 Moving to the other end of the line and the stop board has finally been installed in the loop. Giving the drivers a very clear point to stop before. This stop board was the one beside the water tower at Boat of Garten. Nothing goes to waste on this railway!

Back to Boat of Garten with the painters working on the North Box and COVID regulations regarding how many people are working in one area. It was time to get on with some outdoor work and do some painting of our own. Top coat of black paint has been applied to number one signal. 

The outer home has received a coat of black paint at the bottom of the post as well.

Improvement works has been made to 15 and 28 signal at Boat of Garten South box. A new arm and lenses has been applied to 28 signal. Plus 15 has received a new disc. This was not a big job but it improves the look of the signal and gives the drivers less excuses for not seeing them.

Problems were starting to develop with the detector for 15 and 28, in the form of the chains on the vertical wheels becoming badly worn. Preventing the points lock from being removed. New chains have been fitted and the problem removed.

One job has been completed within the North Box. This was done on a very late shift to avoid the painters. The existing signal lighting circuits have been transferred from the old temporary arrangement, onto the new signalling distribution board. The old system has been removed. Now just waiting for the location cases to connect up the supply to the signals to the north of the box.