Changing Bridges

Here is a set of pictures from Noel of the work done over the weekend of the 14th and 15th July when the footbridge was changed overnight.  Thanks to Noel for staying up late to record the events.

Here is the ballast bed ready for the crane, with the old bridge still in place.

 And here is the star of the show, the road/rail crane.

 Not forgetting the support trolleys.

 Which are quickly unloaded at the medical centre crossing

 Using the on-board arm the truck positions the trolley over the main line.

 Lifting equipment is then loaded for transport to the site

Now comes the tricky bit, putting the crane on the rails.  This is not like a model railway.

  The crane moves in to position

 Almost there.

 Another shuffle and the job will be done.

 Now lined up over the rails the crane moves in to rail mode as the tyres are lifted clear of the rail head.

The assembled train is propelled by the crane through the station platform under the setting sun, should we pull off the signal to allow the train to proceed?

 The crane continues its slow progress down to the lift site.

 Now on the main line it's an easy run to the bridge.

 Past the fixed distant signal.

To arrive at the bridge ready to spring in to action.

A few minutes later and the outriggers are down on the fresh ballast and the jib is raised for action.

 Rigging is positioned and we are ready to go.

 The crane then takes the strain and begins to lift out the old bridge.

 Up up and away for the old bridge.

To load to a waiting transport which is moving in to position.

 The old bridge is now on the trailer.

 The crane and spreader bar move out of the way.  Ready to pick up the replacement footbridge.

 Deep in to the night the new footbridge is swung in to position and the job is done.

And when we awoke the next day there was a brand new footbridge in place over the railway.

Thanks to all involved and especially to Noel for the pictures

Until next time.