S&T Round Up

 A late S&T update.

By Rob Law

Lots of thing have been happening around the railway, but it’s about time I filled you in on some of ours.

At Aviemore station a small project was started to help with operational issues. I say issues but more enhancements to help ensure that good communications are available at all times. Our Omnibus phone system has been extended to add fixed phone points at both our ground frames. The handheld radios and written procedures for their use, works well. But what about when they don’t? This is why we have added these phones in to the system. It adds an extra layer to the safety for the timely running of the railway.

This phone, in its LNE style box is located at the North Ground frame at Aviemore. New cable had to be run out to joins onto the system at the platform phone. (By the office).

At the South ground frame, we have a typical Highland Railway phone box. Again connected into the system at the platform phone. New cable had to be run using existing ducting and cable routes.

At Boat of Garten South, work is still continuing with making the Up platform fully bi-directional for passenger trains. Work is progressing on the new signals. With more noticeably the ladder, back lamp and signal arm being added. At the signal base, lots of time has been spent working out the best way, and installing the chains. Connecting the signals to the points detectors. It doesn’t look much, but I suppose that means it was worth the extra work. But the main thing is that it works and preforms reliably for years to come.

A view of the new main signal with its shunt signals bagged until they are brought into service.

All chained up! There are probably lots of different ways the routing could have been done, but this is the way we have settled for.

Also at Boat of Garten work is progressing with the lift bar in front of the “North Yard points”. All the holes in the rail have now been drilled. With all the clips installed and lift bar added, the three sections of the bar are now placed and requiring to be fishplates together. Once this is done we will see about connecting it onto the rodding run and the lock bolt. Ready for when the locking changes under the box have been made.

Looking away from the points, with most components placed.

Looking towards the points, with 5025 waiting for the late running Royal Scotsman to arrive from Aviemore.

So once again steady progress is been made. With all this work been completed by our volunteers and supported by our paid staff. If you would like to help and learn new skills! There is lots of volunteering opportunities around the railway. Please make contact through the railways website and we look forward to seeing you in the future.