The project to rebuild the loco yard is on the point of starting to replace track onto the site.

This week the last load bearing beam had its shuttering removed to reveal the rows of level and aligned retained bolt studs that will secure the bed rails.

Work to level the inert fill over the site has already used around 200 tons with a further 100 tons of crushed concrete and sub base track ballast due on the site next week. The Charity thanks its kind supporters from the quarry and minerals industry for their kind assistance.

Final preparations for levelling have included re-surveying the site to give the correct gradient profiles across the inspection pit which is level, then graded smoothly down to the coal stage area. This survey has allowed the team to cut back the track to the south of the rebuild area to give a datum from which to relay the track panels using standard lengths with predictable and symmetrical joints through the central area.

Levelling should be complete by the last week in May when track laying will start in earnest. We are still working to the intended development schedule but work is dependent on securing further 8ft by 12” concrete drainage pipes needed to complete the new culvert at the back of the site. Any offers of assistance/donation would be warmly received!