We gathered on Saturday to start our walk in the belief of a very wet track patrol. Numbers allowed us to go in both directions from Medstead. After an hour or so the rain stopped, and we found the day turning into the most perfect Autumn day. After a clear patrol in both directions, the usual sustenance was taken, at Alton and Alresford. My journey back from Alresford was behind Wadebridge with 6 coaches on, and a cracking run was enjoyed by all.
Picking our packs up at Medstead, we dispatched an early team with the Company van and enough kit to start the task for the day, which was continuing the fishplate oiling. A good steady job for the day and the wonderful conditions which had now prevailed.
The images attached show the gang including our guest for the day, David, hard at work, and include the offending items that need attending to, 2 every 60 feet! The task progressed well, particularly after the gang increased to 7 ready for the afternoons work. With lunch taken on site we quickly resumed work, and by the end of the day had completed half a mile of joints (just entering Sun Lane cutting- Ed). We are now within just over a quarter of a mile of Alresford Station.
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The gang continue with the fishplate oiling just over
3/4 mile from Alresford Station. Adrian stands watch.
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| Keith H and Eddie at work |
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| A close up view of the oiling process. This helps rail expansion/contraction to take place at the joints. |
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| The next pair of fishplates wait to be oiled |
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West Country pacific 'Wadebridge' passes on an up
service train |
Observers of this site may like to consider joining us. For a great piece of cardiovascular exercise, with the added bonus of a glorious location to lunch and to watch the trains pass. The nature is stunning, several deer and buzzards amongst the very close encounters we had on Saturday. The day finished off with a DVD evening back in the mess, where we were joined by one of our most important members from London.
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