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The ground railway is now a well used full continuous loop, well patronised by many of our locomotive members. 'Bonfire' curve (the bend over by the bonfire area) has been relaid to ease the radius running over the steaming bay turnout into 'Boating Stage' loop. The numbers of locomotives running on both elevated and ground level tracks on Sunday, 01 May 2011, was probably the most that I have ever seen on the ground on a single afternoon. The number of locomotives, combined with the numbers of family members present really brought home the need not only for signalling to be sorted out for the ground level railway, but also how we intend to 'manage' the crossing points at the station and the main crossing areas. 'Rustic' level crossings have been installed at the entry and exit gates of the elevated track station, as well as the crossing point at the elevated track opening section near the single arch overbridge. Safety needs to be a consideration at these points. However, we must not let Health and Safety concerns drive away the enjoyment we all wish to have with the facilities we create. Gates at these points are a possibility, but when passenger hauling takes place (which it undoubtably will one day), then the gates would have to be opened/closed every four or five minutes. This does seem an onerous task, however, "Is it really necessary?".
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Do we really have a major safety concern here? With due diligence from the drivers and the correct use of the locomotive whistle we should not have a real problem. After all, it is only basically an unmanned crossing - there is no track to 'climb' over. Any signalling system could instigate an audible warning of an approaching train, and correct use of fencing could stop persons from being able to run straight across the track Members opinions on these safety issues would be welcomed, along with any other ideas. |
The large mound between the well and the double arch bridge is to be the site for the construction of a ground level rolling stock building. This will be a 'feature' type of building, constructed in engineering bricks with a pitched roof.
Side View of Carriage Shed location |
Front View of Carriage Shed Location |
Prior to the construction of the Carriage Shed it was decided that the steps leading from the overbridge into the centre of the ground would have to be replaced. For many years these have suffered from subsidence and we considered this an ideal time to see about their replacement. This reconstruction has now been completed.
Step demolition started mid-October 2009 |
Ready to start digging footings for block wall, 20 December 2009 |
Bridge construction at 21 March 2010 |
Bridge construction at 20 December 2010 |
Turntable Headshunts (still awaiting Buffer Stops) |
Laying the Carriage Shed Base |
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Carriage Shed under construction |
Carriage Shed (29 March 2012) |
The Carriage Shed project has moved forward. The brickwork has been completed (and a fine job it is as well) and the roof and rainwater drainage is complete (thanks to Roger Herbert for his efforts on this front). Tasks remaining include the fitting of doors (well made by Sam Ballinger), track laying and the fitting of electrics. Landscaping around the carriage shed has to be completed and the lamp post from the far side of the turntable is being moved to near the adjacent turnout lever. In this position the lamp will illuminate not only the turntable area but also the carriage shed area as well, in addition to protecting the turnout lever against being a trip hazard.
In moving the lamp from its present position, it was discovered that the base was at least 18" into the ground putting its feature base and 'Midland Railway Company' logo out of sight. In its new location it will be fixed onto a heavy concrete plinth allowing all its features to be on show. Member Tony Seagrave will be refurbishing and painting the lamp in his favourite Midland colours.
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Sunday Morning is the traditional time when members meet at the CSME ground and perform all those 'run
of the mill' maintenance tasks so necessary for keeping the Society a safe and inviting place for all our members, invited guests
and general public (on public days).
The tasks/projects being undertaken at present (in addition to those detailed above) include the following:
| If you want to be involved with any of the above (please!) see Barry Morgan. He will point you in
the direction of the person in charge of the project. All projects should have a member who is 'Project Leader'. This member is responsible for ensuring that the Society Health & Safety guidelines are adhered to. Please do your part by being Health & Safety conscious in everything you do. E-mail Barry with any offers of help, or ideas that you might have for ground development. |
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