November S&T Report.

 Unfortunately things are moving so fast by the time this is published it will most likely be out of date. There is currently two large projects been tackled, with a few small jobs been completed as well. Follow the story of what is going on. Starting at Boat of Garten.

With the completion of the lead off table at Boat of Garten South cabin, the works trains are now able to depart using the signals once again. Hear we have our class 37 heading to Aviemore before returning with more spoil form the Aviemore running shed project.

Apart from requiring a clean up and the cranks needing a paint. This is the completed lead off table at Boat of Garten South. With all the points and all the signals, now reconnected. Plus the new FPL rodding in for the to be installed FPLs on the up line. Which will allow us to make the up line bi-directional.

Not very signalling related but with the testing of the finished lead off table. The works train had arrived from Aviemore and was needing to run round its train and shunt it into the yard. Which allowed for the testing of all the signals to be completed. With great delight everything worked as designed. Plus the pull of some levers definitely feels lighter than what is remembered.

Moving on to Dalfaber all the concrete way beams have been installed, the track level has been raised and packed to the new required height. Which was completed by the 21st of November. With all that been completed work could then start on the installation of the road deck. Construction of the road deck starts from the middle and works out with each part been bolted together as you can see been done in this picture.

A view of the almost completed road deck. With just the end clamps left to install.

On the 23rd of November SSE arrived as planned. With this the power cubical was connected to the national grid bringing power to crossing 

Off site, within our storage compound. It was decided it was a good idea to have a trial fitting of the post to wig wag boards (road lights) and audible warning unit. Which all fitted together as expected.

Back on site at the crossing the pre-cast foundations for each pedestal was put into place, with the aid of our own road railer machine. 

Last weekend the possession of the line was lifted for the weekend, to allow the railways Santa trains to pass. The road traffic was controlled by the road light that have been on site since the work began. The train was under instructions to approach at caution, expecting to stop and only continue after receiving a green flag from the level crossings attendant who had turned all road light to red.

Last one for Dalfaber. The temporary location cases that been loaned to use from external sources have been installed which will power and control the level crossing until the delayed REB is supplied from Unipart in February. This will be installed before the main running season begins.

Moving on to Aviemore Speyside. Our signallers have shown a great amount of care for our little cabin. The floor has been painted, levers painted and polished. It’s great to see the cabin been adopted and looked after by operations. Allowing us to concentrate on other jobs. Thank you.

Albeit it was in October. The disc for coming out of the carriage shed has been replaced.  With what is the ex Crianlarich down sidings disc. 

Last one for Aviemore Speyside. The signalling scheme is completed for the time being. With the installation of the last shunt signal. Controlling movements out of the shed area and over our own Speyside UWC. 

That’s you all up to date. If you have time to help us out and volunteer, please get in contact through the website.