Saturday 2nd May

A great day! A record breaking gang of 12 congregated at M&FM in dull and overcast conditions, with the threat of showers laters on. This however did not kerb their enthusiasm, and full use was made of the available manpower. 

A fishplate oiling gang of Eddie, Martin W, Graham, Adrian N, Keith H, Tony, and Ian R gathered together tools, and headed off down the line to carry on where they left off the previous weekend in the vicinity of Sutton bridge. The oiling was helped by a spot of mid-week preparation work by Eddie and Martin W, who had oiled up all of the fishplate nuts through to Alresford Station.

This left Iain and Ian J to undertake the line inspection to Alresford, Pete and Martin R to head off to Alton, and Adrian C (in his consultant Architect capacity) to stay behind to carry out an assessment of the work required to restore the former Great Missenden Signal Box structure, located in the upper yard. Construction drawings are to be produced to enable the box to be re-built (with a replica of its original timber locking room) up on the picnic area at Ropley, to create an interactive attraction demonstrating the operation of a Victorian signal box. This will be the final part of the Heritage Lottery grant funded work which included the engine shed extension and the boiler/ carriage works.

The former Great Missenden Signal Box

With the line walks completed the others joined the fishplate gang, who had already oiled nearly half an mile of plates, and by the close of play just over a miles worth had been tackled. The task should be completed next week, then it's on to the M&FM to Alton section for more of the same!

The fishplate oiling gang at full strength nearing mile post
58 1/4 

The Lubricant Applicator For Fishplates (LAFF) in action

Pete demonstrates his bag carrying capacity....show off!

Adrian N gets to grips with the Bance impact wrench