Catch 22

Well it probably isn't catch point number 22 but we still need to build this before we can connect the sidings to the running line.

Thanks to CHR Facebook here are some pictures of the latest progress at Weston. We start with the team checking the gauge at the catch point to make sure all is correct. Once confirmed that the rails are in the right position the chairs can be bolted down.

The rails are then cut to the correct length using the rail saw. Many years ago this was done by a hand powered device, which I used once and was lovingly called the 99 change hands. It used to take ages but now there are such wonderful machines that take (most of) the sweat out of the process.  However when the rail saw has a problem everyone shuffles around nervously not wanting the manual saw to make an appearance.  A quick trip back to base and some TLC of the rail saw allowed it to return to service and the volunteers breathe a sigh of relief. The photo shows this hard working device on it's half term holiday on the bench.

With the saw available again it was time to turn the attention to the point that connects the siding to the running line. Here we are looking north towards Oswestry and if you look closely you can see the stock stored on the running line beyond the site fence.  Thanks to the earlier clearance work the materials for the point were now on hand to allow assembly to start.

Looking the other way we can see the components being moved to their final locations and a start made on their installation. The space to the left is for the run round loop which will be constructed later.

The photos don't really show the true weather conditions but the shiny effect is not varnish.  Here the catch point is checked during a period of lighter rain.

A very big thank you to all the volunteers who turned up in atrocious weather to continue with the track laying.  Thanks to CHR for the photographs.

Until next time.