Updated 31st August 2010
August
A very busy Bank Holiday weekend (28th - 30th) at KSE with visitor numbers well into 3 figures, largely as a result of our 'Jack the Station Cat' 10th Anniversary event on Sunday - many thanks to all who attended. Elsewhere on site - the volunteers have not been idle! Further work took place on EVR Bridge No. 3 and the roller stools / frames for the rodding run between Point Nos. 1 & 2 are now roughly in position - a couple of photos have been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, there was further progress with the N.E. Brake van, Class 108 DMU, 'Planet' and ballasting the diesel siding. However, the most noticeable change this weekend has been the start of the work to dismantle the workshop at the western end of the Tebay / Penrith trainshed following our successful grant applications (please see below). Some photos have been added to a Gallery on the new Door / Platform page. Finally, the August draw for the monthly '200 Club' has been made and the winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 9. Derek Thompson
2nd Prize. £10. Number 57. Mrs. J. Thompson
3rd Prize. £5. Number 56. Mr. G.N. Barlow
We are delighted to formally announce today (27th) that all 4 grant applications submitted to raise funds for the new door / repairs to the gable end and the platform extension at the western end of the 'Darlington' trainshed have been approved. We are most grateful to the following for their financial support:
Cumbria County Council 'Community Regeneration Fund' £15,000
Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust (CWMET) 'Cumbria Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund' £15,000
CWMET 'Landfill Tax Grant Scheme' £5,000
Cumbria Community Foundation 'Grassroots Grants' £3,315
In addition, on behalf of all the volunteers and shareholders, we would also like to express a big 'thank-you' to our architect, Bob O'Neil of O'Neil & Petrie who prepared all the plans, engineer, Ian Walton, who did all the structural calculations (both most generously free of charge) and the many organisations who kindly supplied letters in support of our applications. We hope that work will start shortly and, as with previous projects, we will have a dedicated page on this website where regular updates will be posted.
Lots of activity on site yesterday (25th). Another 16 sleepers were laid on the section of trackbed between EVR Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 and work continued to clean / paint EVR Bridge No. 3 - a couple of photos have been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, the second new corner pillar was fitted to the N.E. Brake van and progress continued on the Class 108 DMU with the engine running for most of the afternoon. Lastly, but most certainly not least, Phyllis tidied up the station garden and Ann cleaned the platform in readiness for the 'Jack the Station Cat' day on Sunday.
A busy weekend (21st / 22nd) at the East station. A various times, both Class 37's (674 / 146) and the Diesel Crane were started up to allow various checks to be undertaken. All the new tubes were inserted in the boiler barrel of the 'Peckett' - an update and photo have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. In addition, the S&T gang were busy and work continued on the Station Master's Office, N.E. Brake van, Class 108 DMU and Eden Valley Bridge No. 3.
Yesterday (18th), the new set of tubes arrived for the 'Peckett' - we hope to start retubing the boiler this coming weekend. In addition, we also moved a large quantity of point rodding and safely stored away the rest of the signalling equipment from Parton which arrived last weekend.
This weekend (14th / 15th) saw, on this one-off special occasion, just a 'skeleton' staff on duty at KSE. The great majority had made their way over to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) to travel on the 'Grosmont Pullman' on Saturday evening to mark the wedding of the SRC Chairman & Secretary. An excellent time was had by family, friends, work colleagues and, of course, our volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who attended and to the NYMR for all their efforts on our behalf - normal service will now resume at KSE! The Gallery below contains a few photos of the evening.
Yesterday (11th) saw the best part of another 60' panel worth of concrete sleepers laid on the section between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. Work also continued on the Class 108 DMU and, after removing and replacing the first, Phil has now removed the second corner pillar from the eastern end of the N.E. Brake van.
The last 3 days have seen the volunteers hard at work as usual. Saturday (7th), further progress was made with the trackwork between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. On Sunday, the S&T gang were busy as usual - in recent weeks they have been off-site at Parton on the Cumbrian Coast route - a report of their activities has been added to the Signalling & Track page. Work also continued on the Class 108 DMU and the N.E. Brake van. Yesterday (9th), much of the day was taken up with meetings although further progress was also made with the Brake van.
Yesterday (5th) saw a long 12 hour day at KSE with meetings to discuss various projects etc. In addition, the volunteers were busy tidying-up (i) both concrete and timber sleepers and (ii) some of the recently acquired signalling equipment from Parton on the Cumbrian Coast. Finally, several loads of ballast were transported up to the section of trackbed between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 in readiness for further tracklaying this coming weekend.
Saturday (31st) saw the best part of another 60' track panel completed on the section between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. Yesterday, the S&T gang were hard at work and made good progress adjacent to Point No.2 despite the rain during most of the afternoon - a report and photo have been added to the Signalling & Track page and the new Gallery on the Trackwork page respectively. Elsewhere, efforts continued on the N.E. Brake van and Class 108 DMU. The July draw for the monthly '200 Club' has been made and the winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 1. David Rayner
2nd Prize. £10. Number 56. Mr. G.N.Barlow
3rd Prize. £5. Number 11. Derek Thompson
July
Wednesday (28th) saw the 1st two 60' panels of the 'bay' siding laid - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page - we will not be taking this any further until the 'Darlington' platform extension is completed as it would be likely to interefere with the ability of mechanical plant to undertake groundworks etc. In addition, Phil fitted the first of the new corner pillars to the N.E. Brake van and work continued on the Class 108 DMU. Finally, we also played host to a group of members from Skipton Model Railway Club who were busy photographing and measuring up the site. Their next project is to be a working model based on KSE which we very much look forward to seeing in operation.
Firstly, apologies for the lack of updates in the last week or so - our PC has been playing up and this has finally been diagnosed as a faulty monitor which has now been replaced. The volunteers have been busy as ever - another 45' panel has been added to the 'diesel siding' and we have started to construct the 'bay' between what were the two 'running' lines. In addition, tracklaying has continued on the section between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. Elsewhere, efforts have continued on the N.E. Brake Van, Station Master's Office and Class 108 DMU. Finally, our latest Newsletter has recently been published and should have reached all our subscribers - it is also available from KSE and the usual outlets.
With our AGM on Saturday morning (17th) and rain all day yesterday, there was limited opportunity for the volunteers to get much work done outside. However, the weather failed to dampen the spirits of those visiting the site as part of the Annual 'Garden Trail' and we managed to complete the basics of the pointwork - all is now screwed down onto the timbers. We just have a few remaining fishplate holes to drill and other odd jobs to finish. Yesterday, some S&T work took place, efforts continued to clean up the surviving timber for reuse in the the Station Master's Office and some of the blanking plates and washout plugs were fitted to the 'Peckett' in readiness for the hydraulic test which will take place once we have fitted the new tubes - a couple of photos have been added to the Gallery on the 2084 Overhaul page.
Yesterday morning (14th), the Boiler Inspector arrived to undertake the formal 10-yearly examination of the 'Peckett' - we are very pleased to report that the only work required is to fit a new set of tubes - an update has been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. Elsewhere work continued on the 1st set of pointwork on the 'diesel siding' and with tracklaying between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3. Phyllis completed her preparations on the Station Garden in readiness for the 'Garden Trail' this weekend and Phil began to dismantle sections at the eastern end of the N. E Brake Van in preparation for renewing the timbers.
An excellent weekend at Hartlepool Model Railway Show with our Sales Stand - the event gets bigger and better every year with some superb layouts on display. Many thanks to Paul and his team for all their hard work. A preview of the concert in Kirkby Stephen tomorrow night in aid of both the local church and our project can be found here - please go along and support all our friends from Japan if you can.
Wednesday (7th) saw the steelwork for the 1st set of pointwork to be inserted into the 'diesel siding' essentially completed - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. The next jobs are to finishing drilling all the holes for the fishplate bolts, screw all the remaining chairs down onto the timbers and then get to work with the ballast. This weekend (10th / 11th), our Sales Stand will be attending the Hartlepool Model Railway Show at the Wynyard Rooms, near Billingham. This well established show is a joint venture between Hornby Magazine and Hartlepool Model Rail Group - opening times are 9.30am - 5.30pm on Saturday and 9.30am - 4.30pm on Sunday. Please come along and support the event if you can.
Saturday (3rd) saw work continue with tracklaying between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, all the remaining cladding and lagging were removed from the Peckett - a report and photo have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. Efforts to repaint and carry out some timber repairs to the N.E. Brake Van also continued. Yesterday, saw our 1st Classic Car Rally take place and, by late morning, a very nice selection of vehicles had assembled in the Car Park. Unfortunately on this occasion, the heavy rain and gale force winds got the better of us but, undeterred, we will be back next year to try again - hopefully with some sunshine! A report and selection of photos have been added to the new Classic Car Rally page.
On Wednesday, a second closure rail was cut and inserted into the pointwork on the 'diesel siding' and the route into the 'Tebay /Penrith' platform was set to gauge - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In the evening, the volunteers undertook a couple of other jobs - the cladding and lagging on the firebox of the Peckett were removed and Mike cut the grass on the picnic area once more. A report and photo of the latest work undertaken by the S&T gang have been added to the Signalling & Track page and the new Gallery on the Trackwork page respectively. Finally, a preview in the 'Eden Valley Messenger' of this Sunday's Classic Car Rally can be found here.
June
A very hot weekend at the East station! On Saturday, the volunteers finished levelling the crossing timbers for the first set of pointwork on the 'diesel siding' and cut the first of the closure rails - a photo has been added to the New Gallery on the Trackwork page. Yesterday (27th), good progress was made with removing the cladding and lagging on the Peckett in preparation for the Boiler Inspector's visit - a report and photo have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. The S&T gang were busy on both days inserting concrete bases for the point rodding and cranks adjacent to Point No. 2. Finally, work has now started to repaint and undertake some timber repairs on the N.E. Brake Van. The June draw for the monthly '200 Club' has been made and the winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 45. Bill Taylor
2nd Prize. £10. Number 44. Keith Richardson
3rd Prize. £5. Number 14. Mike Pattinson
Today (25th), we made good progress with the 'Peckett' - removing both the saddletank and cab. A report and photos have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page.
Yesterday (23rd), work continued on the first set of pointwork on the 'diesel siding'. Almost all of the crossing timbers were set at their correct level and we are now almost ready to start cutting and drilling the closure rails. In addition, James was on site during the afternoon working on the signals we recently obtained from Parton on the Cumbrian Coast.
Sunday (20th) saw our 1st 'Steam Gathering' take place on site with a number of full-size / miniature engines and special guest, Mrs Sheila Dibnah, in attendance. Despite losing a number of exhibits at the last moment for various reasons beyond our control, we were very pleased with the event which raised an excellent four-figure sum for the project - many thanks to all the exhibitors and visitors who came to support us. We hope to hold a similar event next year - further details and photographs can be found on the Steam Gathering page. The Next Events page has also been updated to cover the 3 month period to the end of September.
Yesterday (16th), we completed preparations for the 'Steam Gathering' this coming weekend - all we need now is some sunshine! This morning, our special guest on Sunday, Sheila Dibnah, was interviewed live over the phone by Robin Wallington, one of our volunteers, on his regular show for Radio Teesdale.
Saturday (12th) saw good progress made with the pointwork on the 'diesel siding'. The switches and crossing were installed and the rail chairs have been set out in preparation for cutting and drilling the closure rails - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In contrast to the good weather at KSE on Saturday, yesterday we had rain all day so much of the work was undertaken inside the building with preparations being made for the 'Steam Gathering' next Sunday. However, the S&T gang did get some work done outside on the signals which arrived from Parton last week.
A busy day at the East Station yesterday (9th). First to arrive were 5 BR-pattern signals from Parton on the Cumbrian Coast Line - many thanks to Paul Dennison of Network Rail and Lawson's Haulage for making this possible. We then took delivery of a set of left-hand switches and a crossing for the first set of pointwork to go in the 'diesel siding'. We are pleased to report that work has now started in earnest on laying the next section of track between Eden Valley Bridges Nos. 2 & 3 - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. Finally, we have received two more entries for the 'Steam Gathering' on the 20th June - a miniature Burrell Traction Engine and 7 '00' Gauge Live Steam LNER Locomotives (Classes A3 / A4) - the Next Events page has been updated accordingly.
First of all, many apologies for the lack of updates over the last week or so - we have now returned from a short break at Spean Bridge near Fort William, so normal service should hopefully resume! Saturday (5th) saw our 1st Model Railway Show take place at the East Station. This was a great success with many people attending the site for the first time - a big 'thank you' to all our visitors and everyone who helped in any way - a Gallery of photos has been added to the new Model Rail Show page. The Next Events page has been updated with details added of the exhibits which will be attending the 'Steam Gathering' on Sunday 20th June. The S&T gang have been busy with various jobs and an update has been added to the Signalling & Track page. Amongst other news, we are pleased to report that the Planning Application we submitted to Eden District Council earlier in the year for permission to extend the 'Darlington' platform westwards, as requested by 'Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate', has been approved.
May
Yesterday (26th), our volunteers completed a number of tasks between the heavy showers. Most notably, levelling / aligning the 45' panel which was laid last weekend and finishing the crossing - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, all the ex-LNER signals obtained from Brampton Fell were transported up the yard giving us more space around the station area for our forthcoming events. Finally, the May draw for the monthly '200 Club' has been made. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 54. James Relph
2nd Prize. £10. Number 44. Keith Richardson
3rd Prize. £5. Number 20. Bill Watkin
A very hot weekend at the East Station! On Saturday (22nd), much of the effort was concentrated on laying another 45' panel on the siding east of the crossover - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, work continued on both the garden and establishing the ground levels prior to tracklaying between Eden Valley Bridges Nos. 2 & 3. Yesterday, we managed to get some more work done on the Peckett - an update has been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. Throughout the weekend, efforts continued on the restoration of the Station Master's Office and one of our regular contractors paid us a visit re. plastering the new ceiling.
On Wednesday (19th), a 10-hour stint saw the volunteers lay a further 45' panel on the standing line to the east of the crossover and extend the current road crossing - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page.
This weekend (15th / 16th) saw progress on a number of fronts. On Saturday, we managed to complete the ballasting of another 45' panel of the 'diesel siding' - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. In addition, volunteers were also busy painting some of the ex-LNER signals we obtained from Brampton Fell. Yesterday, work continued on the Class 108 DMU, further progress was made with regard to fitting vacuum equipment to the 'Planet' and there was another step forward with the 'Peckett' - a report and photo have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. Lastly, but most certainly not least, work continued over both days on the restoration of the Station Master's Office.
Yesterday (12th), the work to repair the picnic area embankment was basically finished - we now just await some turf to complete the job - we also cut the grass on the picnic area itself for the second time this year. Elsewhere, the volunteers realigned the current end of the standing line to the east of the crossover so that it will ultimately form the loading / unloading ramp in the second car park to be constructed on the northern side of the building - we are now ready to lay two more 45' track panels which will take us up to just short of the temporary fencing. Once this job was completed, we then undertook some further ballasting of the 'diesel siding' - the section from Point No.2 to Eden Valley Bridge No.1 is now finished - a photo has been added to the new gallery on the Trackwork page. Finally, the 'bund' which forms the southern boundary of the car park received some attention - we hope to be sowing wild flower seeds on it very shortly.
Saturday (8th) saw much of the volunteers efforts concentrated on finishing the repairs to the embankment alongside the path to the picnic area - this is now almost complete with perhaps one more days work to undertake. Yesterday (9th) saw more clearance work taking place on the section of land between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - yet more granite ballast has recently been delivered and, once we have established the correct levels, tracklaying will take place. Elsewhere, efforts continued to repair the timberwork rescued from the Station Master's Office and some further work took place on the 'Peckett' - we hope to empty out the boiler barrel and start cleaning up the tubeplate holes next weekend. Finally, as usual, the S&T gang were hard at work - their main efforts yesterday revolved around putting together as a 'trial fit' the 4 lever Ground Frame that will control Point Nos. 1 & 2 on the passenger-carrying line - an update has been added to the Signalling & Track page.
Last November, the access to our new picnic area was blocked as the result of a landslip which occurred following eleven inches of rain in one week. Since then, our volunteers have worked to firstly clean-up, and subsequently repair the damage by constructing a new stone retaining wall alongside the path. We are very pleased to report that, following three more days of work this weekend (1st - 3rd May), the picnic area is now open for use once more. We still have some further work to undertake, but hopefully the worst is now over. Elsewhere on site, work continued on the Station Master's Office - more of the plasterwork and the timberwork rescued from the room have been repaired. The S&T gang have been busy as usual and a report has been added to the Signalling & Track page. We have some slight changes and additions to report to our Events Programme - unfortunately one of the Traders booked for the Model Railway Show on Saturday 5th June (ACE Trains) is no longer able to attend. However, we are pleased to report that, to compensate for this, we have booked another layout, 'Cuddies Yard' (EM), which makes 9 in total. In addition, our Steam Gathering on Sunday 20th June will also now feature a seven and one quarter inch scale live steam miniature railway which, for a small additional charge, will be giving rides to the public - the Next Events page has been updated to reflect these alterations. Finally, our new all colour Information Leaflet and Share Purchase Forms have been printed with the aid of a £500 grant from Eden District Council (EDC). We are most grateful to EDC and Tourism Manager, Sally Hemsley, for all their help and support. The leaflet and form are now available at KSE and we have had a number distributed to all the Tourist Information Centres in Cumbria plus a few selected others - a press article can be found here.
April
This weekend (24th / 25th) has seen efforts continue to clean up the surviving timber for reuse in the Station Master's Office. Further site clearance work has taken place and the S&T gang were busy packing ballast around the expansion compensator and in the cess alongside the rodding run from Point No.3A to 3B. It is hoped to complete this work and undertake some further minor adjustments next weekend. A planning meeting for the Steam Gathering on 20th June took place yesterday with some of the exhibitors and the arrangements for the event have now been agreed. Finally, the April draw for the monthly '200 Club' was made over the weekend. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 3. David Rayner
2nd Prize. £10. Number 58. Rob Murray
3rd Prize. £5. Number 12. Derek Thompson
Yesterday (21st), work continued to sort through the crossing timbers stored on site - a full set has now been laid out for the new pointwork at the eastern end of the 'diesel siding' and we have also begun to put together those required for a second set which will be needed later in the year. A photo has been added to the new Gallery on the Trackwork page.
A couple of further photos taken by Dave Greenhalgh on Sunday illustrating the joys of removing boiler tubes have been added to the Gallery on the 2084 Overhaul page.
Another weekend of good progress on a range of projects. The main focus was directed towards clearance work between Eden Valley Bridge Nos. 2 & 3 - we hope to be able to lay track on this section shortly. In addition, efforts continued in the Station Master's Office with a start being made on the plasterwork. Yesterday, Phyllis continued to prepare the garden for our visitors to enjoy and undertook some clearance of the embankment adjacent to the picnic area. The S&T gang were busy making minor adjustments to the operation of Point Nos. 3A / B. Finally, on the motive power front, efforts continued on the Class 108 DMU, good progress was made with fitting the vacuum gear to the 'Planet' and all the remaining boiler tubes were removed from the 'Peckett' - a photo and report have been added to the 2084 Overhaul page.
Yesterday (14th), two 45' panels in the 'diesel siding' were removed to make way for the first set of pointwork - by the end of the day, we had sourced most of the timbers required from those stored on the site and we hope to take delivery of a pair of left-hand switches and a crossing shortly. On Saturday (17th), our Sales Stand will be attending the Model Railway Exhibition promoted by the Rotary Cub of Newton Aycliff in Aid of Polio Eradication. Please support this event if you can.
At last, we have something which resembles spring! This weekend (10th / 11th), has seen the volunteers busy on a wide range of projects. Firstly, we have been tidying-up both inside and outside the building after the Rally last weekend. Work has continued on the Station Master's Office with two of the window frames being removed for repairs. The realignment of the 'diesel siding' is now essentially complete, so this week we hope to start laying out the crossing timbers for the first set of pointwork. Class 37 146 and the Class 108 DMU were both started-up for more checks / repairs to be undertaken. Efforts have begun to prepare the East Station Garden for the summer season and our annual contribution to the 'Garden Trail', 'Cumbria in Bloom' etc. On Saturday evening, we held the last of the 2009-2010 season of Slide Shows - despite the weather over the winter, this has been very successful yet again - many thanks to everyone who has supported us and to all those who have made it possible - we look forward to seeing you all again in the autumn. Finally, the S&T team were busy yesterday with the final angle crank linking the rodding run to Point No. 3B. There are now some final adjustments to be made and the job will be finished.
Last weekend (3rd / 4th) saw another hugely successful Easter Rally with over 2500 visitors to KSE despite the cold, rain, hail and very occassional sunny period. Many thanks to all who came out over the two days to support the event - a new Gallery of photos has been added to the Easter Rally page. It is also a pleasure to report that, for the first time, three of the mainline diesels (Class 20 169 and Class 37's 146 / 674) were started up together on Sunday afternoon. On Easter Monday (5th), further S&T work took place filling-in many of the roller stool frame pits on the rodding runs to Point Nos. 3A / 3B - a report has been added to the Signalling & Track page and a couple of photos have been placed on the new Gallery on the Trackwork page. Finally, the Next Events page has been updated to cover June / July.
March
Saturday (27th), saw completion of the new ceiling in the Station Master's Office - well done to all concerned - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the KSE Station page. Further progress was also made with realigning and levelling the 'diesel siding' - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page. Elsewhere, efforts continued over the weekend to prepare for the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally at Easter, more work was undertaken on the Class 108 DMU and the S&T gang were busy with the foundations for the angle crank adjacent to Point No. 3B. The latest Newsletter has now been published and has gone in the post to all our regular subscribers. Finally, the March draw for the monthly '200 Club' was made over the weekend. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 15. Mike Pattinson
2nd Prize. £10. Number 52. Maggie Yates
3rd Prize. £5. Number 31. Maureen Wilson
Yesterday (24th), another two panels of the 'diesel siding' were realigned and levelled. In addition, further progress was made on the Class 108 DMU. Inside the station, work to prepare the shop and buffet car for the new season continued. In the evening, we attended a meeting of the Eden Classic Vehicle Group to agree arrangements for the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally to be held over the Easter weekend - an update has been added to the Next Events page.
Another busy weekend at the East station. On Saturday (20th), further progress was made with the Station Master's Office - all the roof insulation is now in place and two more ceiling boards were fitted. A photo has been added to the new Gallery on the KSE Station page. Yesterday (21st), Class 20 169 was started up for various checks to take place. Work is now well underway to prepare the building and site for the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally held over the Easter weekend - on Saturday we had a 'LoadHaul' operating to help with tidying the site and much effort has also gone into reorganising the shop to enhance the display space - we now also sell drinks from Kendal Cordials and have taken delivery of a number of Cumbria / Lake District related titles from Countryside Books.
This weekend (13th / 14th) saw good progress made on a number of projects. On Saturday, the volunteers made a start installing the roof insulation and new ceiling in the Station Master's Office - a photo has been added to the new Gallery on the KSE Station page. Our Sales Stand was in attendance at the Settle (ScoutRail) Model Railway Show - many thanks to Dave and his team for another excellent and very enjoyable exhibition. Today, the S&T team were hard at work installing the expansion compensator in the rodding run from Point No. 3A to 3B - a photo and report have been added to the Trackwork and Signalling & Track pages respectively. In addition, volunteers were busy getting the shop organised and tidying up the site in readiness for the new season.
Yesterday (10th), work started in earnest to realign what is currently the 'diesel siding' with the trackwell of the Tebay / Penrith platform - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page. The latest Newsletter also went to the printers and we hope that it will be in the post to all our regular subscribers in the next week or so.
On Saturday (6th), the Diesel Crane was started up and a number of jobs were undertaken. In addition, we managed to get some more time on the 'Peckett' (an update has been added to the 2084 Overhaul page) and the volunteers began to remove the remaining items from the Station Master's Office. Today (8th), work continued on the Office, the S&T gang have been busy (a photo has been uploaded to the Gallery on the Trackwork page and a report added to the Signalling & Track page), the Class 108 DMU was started up to check various items, more tidying up took place and the bird feeders were refilled. Next Saturday (13th), our Sales Stand will be attending 'Scout Rail' Model Railway Exhibition at Settle Primary School (10am - 5pm) - please come along and support this event if you can.
Yesterday (3rd), we marked out the new alignment for the 'diesel siding' and levelled much of the ground ready for the track to be slewed over. In addition, Phyllis was busy with some preparatory work on the station garden and we continued to tidy the site in readiness for the new season.
Unfortunately, the snow beat us again last Wednesday (24th) and the mid-week working party had to be cancelled. However, this weekend the weather was a little kinder (although still very cold) and we managed to work at KSE on both days. On Saturday (27th), most of our efforts were concentrated on shunting all the rolling stock from the diesel siding onto the pasenger-carrying line - please see the photos added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page. This will now allow us to realign the siding with the Tebay / Penrith trackwell, level / ballast and insert two more sets of pointwork. Yesterday (28th), efforts continued with the restoration of the Station Master's Office - approx half of the roof timbers were denailed and volunteers began the task of cleaning the sections of woodwork that can be reused. The S&T gang were at work - a further photo has been uploaded to the Gallery on the Trackwork page and a report added to the Signalling & Track page. In addition, further progress was made on the 'Peckett' - there is an update on the 2084 Overhaul page. Finally, yet more tidying-up took place and all the bird-feeders were re-filled - we are now having to do this on a very regular basis as our wildlife population are eating their way through large quantities of food each week. Our Company Secretary recently made the February draw for the monthly '200 Club'. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 11. Derek Thompson
2nd Prize. £10. Number 15. Mike Pattinson
3rd Prize. £5. Number 12. Derek Thompson
February
This weekend (20th / 21st) saw good progress on Saturday, but the snow yesterday prevented most of our volunteers from getting to KSE. The 'Yorkshire Engine' was successfully started in readiness for the planned shunt of rolling stock but, in the end, this had to be postponed because of the weather. In addition, a good start was made on Saturday with fitting the vacuum pipework to the 'Planet' - again, we had intended to finish this yesterday, but were beaten by the snow. We also managed to get some more work done on the 'Peckett' and an update has been added to the 2084 Overhaul page. Inside the building, our volunteers have been busy starting to get the shop organised for the Easter Rally which is now fast approaching and, outside, some more clearance work took place around the station building. Finally, a new Gallery has been started on the KSE Station page which will illustrate the restoration of the Station Master's Office.
Yesterday (17th), we completed ballasting the connection between the 'diesel siding' and the main layout - all is now ready for us to move the rolling stock onto the passenger-carrying line. In addition, some further work was undertaken on the standing line west of the crossover. Finally, we spent a little time tidying up following the clearance work which has taken place on the northern embankment over the past couple of weekends.
Saturday (13th) saw the restoration of the Station Master's Office commence in earnest. The remains of the ceiling were removed and plans made for the next stage of the job - we hope to include regular updates and photographs as the project proceeds. In addition, the 'diesel siding' was connected up to the passenger-carrying line - some minor adjustments and ballasting are now all that are required before we move everything off the siding so that it can be re-aligned, ballasted and two sets of switches inserted - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page. Elsewhere over the weekend, the S&T team continued with the rodding run and expansion compensator between Point Nos. 3A / 3B, more work took place on the Class 108 DMU and there was further progress with site clearance.
Yesterday (10th), we turned our attention to the 'diesel siding' and connecting it to the rest of the system - good progress was made and hopefully the work will be completed at the weekend. In addition, further efforts continued to install the base for the expansion compensator to be inserted in the rodding run between Point Nos. 3A / 3B. At the end of the day, a further meeting with our architect, Bob O'Neil, took place to discuss the drawings for the new door and platform extension at the western end of the building - this project is progressing steadily.
It is with the greatest sadness that we report the death of our regular volunteer, Richie Gregory. All at KSE have been deeply shocked to hear the news and we send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Cath, and the family - a tribute page can be found here. As you can imagine, there was a subdued atmosphere at KSE this weekend, but I am sure Richie's death will only serve to make everyone more determined than ever to drive the project forward.
On Saturday (6th), all the pipework arrived to enable us to fit vacuum gear to the 'Planet' and, in the afternoon, we made some further progress on the 2084 Overhaul. Outside in the sunshine (just for a pleasant change!), ballasting of the standing line and vegetation clearance work continued. Yesterday (7th), the Parcels Van was shunted along the standing line, the temporary panels were dismantled and the track was slewed back into position - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page. The S&T gang also continued to make progress and an update has been added to the Signalling & Track page.
Yesterday (3rd), the standing line was briefly connected to the isolated section of track so that the Parcels Van could be moved onto the main layout. Work then began to dismantle the temporary track - the next stage will be to slew the standing line back onto its correct alignment in preparation for constructing the new loading / unloading bay in the northern car park.
January
This weekend (30th / 31st) has seen progress on a number of projects. Volunteers have been busy on clearance work - taking advantage of the (slightly!) better weather before the nesting season starts. In addition, there was a meeting on site to assess and organise the work required to restore the Station Master's Office and, finally, efforts have continued to relay and then slew the standing line so that the Parcels Van, currently on an isolated piece of track in the north-east corner of the yard, can be brought onto the main layout - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page.
Yesterday (27th) saw the first mid-week working party of 2010. Progress continued with the Standing Line to the east of the crossover and two more 45' panels were relaid - a photo has been added to the Gallery on the Trackwork page.
This weekend saw our first volunteer working parties of the year. Inside the building, we were busy measuring up for the pipework required to fit vacuum gear to the 'Planet' so that it can work passenger trains - we hope that installation of the equipment will start shortly. Outside, efforts continued to re-lay the siding that will ultimately become the loading / unloading ramp in the Car Park on the north side of the station building. Our Company Chairman recently made the January draw for the monthly '200 Club'. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 35. Ken Ball
2nd Prize. £10. Number 10. Derek Thompson
3rd Prize. £5. Number 15. Mike Pattinson
The next Volunteers Meeting will be held on SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY AT 1PM in the mess room at KSE. All welcome.
Thankfully all the snow and ice have now disappeared, so we will re-open to the public for the first time in 2010 this weekend (23rd / 24th). The 'Eden Valley Messenger' has recently published an interesting article on Iain Robinson, one of our volunteers who regularly travels over from Japan - please see here for more details.
A Happy New Year to you all!
With the current snow, ice and freezing temperatures and, apparently, yet more snow on the way, KSE remains closed for safety reasons until further notice - please watch the website for updates. Our Company Secretary, Sue Jones, recently made the December draw for the monthly '200 Club'. The winning numbers and prizes are:
1st Prize. £15. Number 4. Mike Thompson
2nd Prize. £10. Number 19. Bill Watkin
3rd Prize. £5. Number 14. Mike Pattinson
The next Volunteers Meeting (weather permitting!) will be held on SUNDAY 24TH JANUARY 2010 AT 1PM in the mess room at KSE. All welcome.
Finally, many thanks to those of you who have recently renewed your annual Newsletter subscription and / or taken out a subscription to the '200 Club' - your continued support is greatly appreciated.
All the 'Latest News' prior to 1st January 2010 can now be found on the News Archive page.
