Take Me To The Bridge

Another cracking day by the Thursday gang and more historic moments.  Andy G (and it seemed just about everyone else present) took the pictures of the first loco to run down to the Gasworks Bridge.

As Andy says.
"This Thursday Reg and John continued work on the suburban coach, Keith R and Alan P worked on the tamper machine while the rest took the train down to Gas Works Bridge to work on preparing the new section of track for testing and in the near future the same work will be done on the south side of the bridge, before any passenger services can run through the bridge. Under the direction of Richard J and the guidance of Pete McC the track was slewed into the position needed to run through the bridge, rail gaps were adjusted and fishplates undone and then tightened up to the correct torque. Then Glynn brought Telemon and the brake van down to the north edge of the bridge and this was the first time a train had been in this position in a long time. Many pictures were taken of this event along with a couple of volunteers working."

We start the pictures with the slow and cautious steps along the extension by Telemon and the brake van.  After all of the preparatory work it was time for the long awaited first movement of a full size locomotive along the extension. Every joint, key, clip and chair was observed as the convoy moved south.  Everyone was keen to get a picture of this historic moment.

The loco inched forward with everyone watching and taking pictures.

Telemon has reached the north side of the bridge.

Looking back through the bridge we can see that there is clearance.

Richard J and Dave R look suitably pleased with progress.

It was not all watching, there was work to be done as well.  More fettling and trimming of the membrane with Tom standing, Noel, Mick and John hand digging the ballast, there's dedication for you..

Telemon has arrived at the destination for today, parked just before the slab.

In the last picture Tom walks back from the south side of the bridge past a resting Telemon.  You can see that now stock is able to pass between the columns and under the bridge.

And that was Thursday. A really big moment for CHR and payback for the hours that have been put in to the project.  Thanks you to all who have contributed be it with hours, money and best wishes.  Thanks to Andy G for the pictures.

We hope to see you on one of our trains through the bridge before too long.

Until next time