Emergency Works

Planned completion of the points in Leeming Yard had to take a back seat this last week when routine inspection identified further rail defects, this time under the road bridge at Preston Under Scar. Four sixty foot lengths of replacement bullhead rail were temporarily borrowed from the run- round loop at Redmire and ferried to site on hand trolleys, with 30 foot lengths of worn rail making the return journey from Leyburn. Train services were curtailed beyond Leyburn during the day on Saturday, but the replacement rails had been installed in time to allow the evening "Gin Train" to run over the full length of the line.

First two sixty foot rails "borrowed" from Redmire loop, ready to be pushed to Preston Under Scar

The remoteness of Preston Under Scar from road access points meant some big trolley pushes, and in turn some hot and tired volunteers, but it was a case of getting stuck- in to get the railway back up and running, and our thanks go to all involved.

The opportunity was taken to change a couple of poorly sleepers while the rails were out of the chairs

Once the rails had been changed at Preston, we pushed 30 foot rails all the way from Leyburn to fill the gap in Redmire loop

Replacement rails being installed

The first use of sheradised (corrosion resistant) Panlocks on the WR?

The Leyburn gang have been busy spot- resleepering between Wensley and Westfield Farm, and this work will continue for a few more weeks to come.

And finally...........here's an interesting find: possibly the oldest rail chair still in service on the WR running line? This venerable specimen was spotted on Preston bank, proudly stamped 1889. Guessing this has seen quite a variety of motive power pass it by over the years!!

Almost as old as Mike B!