P/way train being utilised for lineside clearance.  


Malcolm Walker fitting new locking trays under Toddington 'box.  

Week ending 6th June

With the aid of the P/Way train, S&T Dept. assist with line side clearance of P/Way materials (old sleepers, chairs, etc) S&T materials (concrete troughing, old bonding wires, etc) and any other materials/rubbish, between Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse. This followed an incident the previous week when certain items were deliberately laid across the track by persons having total disregard for the safety of others. As seen from the photo on the right, a large amount had been cleared up by the time we had reached Gotherington and we still had to reach Cheltenham.

Back at 'HQ' the continuing restoration of various items goes on. Various lengths of angle iron previously measured and cut get the good news with a wire brush attachment on the disc cutter. Cams, wire adjusters and lever frame stabilizing bars get the same treatment and the all receive a coat of red oxide paint. These will then further the extension of Toddington lever frame within the signalbox. Two crows nests for signals T4 and T20, and eight down rods are all taken from storage, cleaned of paint, cut and prepared for welding before given a coat of red oxide paint.

Week ending 13th June

Removal of tree and weed growth from behind Toddington signal box.  Once cleared, a layer of weed suppressing material was unrolled and stone chippings put down to create an access path.

Malcolm Walker and Neil Carr continue to extend the lever frame above and below floor level inside the 'box to accommodate two extra levers. These will operate signal T32 'Outer Home Approaching From Broadway', and a release lever to enable working northbound from Toddington. This has involved the cutting to size of 'C' profile girders, manufacture of brackets, and the restoration of cams, saddles and bolts. The temporary fitting of some locking trays required to give fixing point measurements for support brackets.

Week ending 20th June

Another 190 yards of track is drilled and bonded from Toddington North Headshunt point, northwards. After spending the first 90 minutes drilling just six pairs of holes (two panels of very hard rails), we eventually came across some 'softer' rails which speeded up our rate of progress no-end.

Malcolm & Neil drill and fit new stretcher bars to NHS point.

The rest of the week is taken up with the trimming to size and cleaning of locking trays prior to giving a coat of red oxide paint. Eight lever catch rods, catch handles, pins and bolts cleaned and painted.

Thursday sees Malcolm Walker standing in for an absent signalman to give a lecture on the principles of a working signal box to 90 local pupils.

Week ending 27th June

Carrying on from where we left off last week, more drilling and bonding until we reach manganese rail just short of Stanway viaduct. This rail already has holes drilled and fitted with a bung which requires a special attachment. These will be purchased and fitted at a later date.

Two locking trays are drilled and bolted down onto the support brackets. A large hole has now been cut into the floor of the signalbox ready to accept the lever frame extension.

Thanks must go to Carl Smart in arranging the laser cutting of ten new speed restriction signs from local Tewkesbury firm, Emsea. Once painted yellow and black, these will replace the 'temporary' wooden signs around Gotherington and Toddington that have been in place for many years.