"The Dash to Duffield" - Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

[John H-T]

This week, over a period of four days, the point at the northern end of run round at Duffield has been installed with the help of a small detachment from the Army.

The first set of photos show: 1, Site briefing with most of the parts including the switch blades laid out. 2. Unloading one of the check rail sections. 3. Plain track lifted, switch rail section in place. 4. Kit of parts for 2nd section laid out. 5. Rail cutting.

[John H-T]

Part 2 shows the work done on days 3 & 4:

1. 2nd section of the point in place.
2. Timbers laid out for 3rd section.
3. All three sections in place.
4. The last joint was a bit wide so we had to use the hydraulic puller.
5. Mainline complete.

[swisstrains]

Great stuff John. You can't beat a few photos when it comes to describing something like this.
I bet it gave you and the other lads a real feeling of satisfaction to see the point installed.

[John H-T]

Thanks John,

It was certainly quite an interest feeling being guard on the work's train brakevan as it was slowly propelled over the new formation!

Permanent way work is very satisfying inspite of the hard work. Also a great group spirit. There is a regular gang of us who work together every Wednesday ... Derbyshire's answer to "Last of the Summer Wine!"

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[John H-T]

First the Very Good News: The Ecclesbourne Valley has just received a very substantial grant which will cover the cost of all the trackwork (rail, sleepers and ballast) and drainage material to complete the reopening of the line to Duffield. All we need to do now is do the work, including replacing 3,000 + sleepers! The target is still very firmly Autumn 2010.

This means that we can concentrate our finances on the other aspects of reopening the line which are not covered by the grant.

I believe that The Midland Railway Centre has also won a large grant for work there.

I attach a couple of photos of the work we were doing yesterday (4.2.2009) when we got the news: Installing the trap point at the northern end of the passing loop at Shottle, the crossing place when we get round to a two train service.

[DSY011]

Very Good News indeed John. Things go much better when you don't have to worry about where the money for the next bit of is coming from. As for the work, well just go's to show that just because we are not in the youth of life, it doesn't mean we are past it. Well done to you all.

[John H-T]

This, in a way, could be linked to the thread on plastic sleepers!

This week's project is to replace two panels of track just north of Shottle Platform. Nearly all the sleepers needed replacing so concrete sleepers have been used to replace them all. As concretes are thicker the track bed needs to be dug out to maintain levels with the advantage that the mini digger can also be used to place the sleepers.

At close of play to-day all the sleepers had been laid out and all four rails were back in place: one panel fully clipped up the other to be finished tomorrow plus jcking and packing. Line to reopen tomorrow evening after a three day "possession."

The drawback of completly renewing panels like this is that the line has to be closed, whereas when we do spot resleepering the line can remain open with a 5mph speed restriction. Photos show placing the sleepers; getting them all lined up and then clipping with pandrol clips.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[John H-T]

Can't believe it is so long since I updated information on progress. There has certainly been plenty of it!

Brief summary:

Track completely relaid through Shottle Station in a four day possession including laying the turnout for the southern end of the passing loop.

Spot resleepering is now nearing Hazelwood. We have passed milepost 135 3/4 ( Duffield is 133).

Ground frame for Shottle North is installed and most of the rodding is in place and working.

Next week will see the start of relaying the run round at Duffield which will take till Christmas. As with all passing loops on the line it has to be about 1/4 mile long to accomodate stone trains, should stone traffic return. This was a condition of sale of the line to us!

This is the last major project before reopening to Duffield. Target date 10th October 2010.

Will add some photos later.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[richard thompson]

Well done. You are making progress.
Richard

[62440]

Just found and read the whole thread. A real achievement. Well done to all concerned. Regards, 62440.