Beam Me Up

Over the weekend, aside from all of the excitement of the events along the line, several volunteers carried on with other jobs out of the public gaze.  One of these jobs was to position the beams for the cattle creep.  Since the beams arrived back in February they have been stored in the gap at the cattle creep, now was the time to establish levels and position the beams for the future running line.  Here is a photo of the beams about to come off the back of the lorry in the cold wet weather. These were skilfully placed with no element of 'falling off the back of a lorry', not least because of the £4k cost of these.  Again thanks to those who helped with the purchase of the beams.  

With careful measurement of distances and levels the beams were jacked in to position. Confirmation of the level was given by the flask of hot beverage, in true Cambrian style. The beams were also squared up and the fun began.  Henry checks the drawing to see if the cup is in the right position.  After cross checking the holes could be drilled into the supports.

Here you can see the beams on their pads and the holes being drilled, extra prizes were awarded for not spilling a drop from the flask. 

Here are just a couple of the 16 bolts that will hold the bridge, these have now been resin bonded in to place and following curing the final levels can be checked and all bolted in to place.

Here is the close of play shot with everything ready for the visit of the track gang, though that might be a couple of months yet.

Many thanks to Tim H for the pictures and for the input into the project by all the volunteers who came over the weekend.

The preparations for the big dig under gasworks bridge are still progressing, we are awaiting a site meeting to sort out details.  Again it will depend on machine availability as to when we can start.  Now that the weather is better it should be easier to arrange but we have to fit in with other planned jobs.

That will then allow us to advance the railhead and progress towards the cattle creep, which now awaits.

Until next time.