Following the fairly intense activity completing and commissioning the ‘main line’ circuit activities have slowed as things have bedded down. Regular public running started in August over the full length of the railway and our public supporters have been able to enjoy a ride over nearly a half mile of track, mainly in the open but at times out of sight either in the cutting, behind the ‘hill’, or running through the trees. These features plus the two and sometimes three trains on the move at once have led to some very appreciative comments and there are the first signs that visitors are not only having just one ride but also coming to see us again and bringing their friends as well.

The railway is therefore getting to be more popular as it becomes better known and we have certainly carried more passengers this year. The Club’s thanks are due to the construction and running teams who have made this possible. The greater activity on the trains and around the station has led to a friendly and sociable atmosphere with more for everyone to enjoy, for riders, viewers and operators.

On the practical side it is intended to relay part of the circular loop track in the NE corner which is very sharply curved and where we have had camber problems. Two of the points have to be fitted with Driver operated levers which will give options of a short run from the station out and around this loop, or a long continuous run out from the station and around the main line as many times as the Driver wishes – or has water and coal for! These point levers are already on hand thanks to Steve Gosling. The possible need for water and or coal when away from the station means we need to fit up a wagon as a water and coal carrier which can be parked in the siding on the far side of the field during running sessions.

The next major job is construction of steaming bays in the station area coupled with a modified loading/unloading track. The bays will be raised from ground level for access and are to be served by a hydraulic lifting traverser (thanks to Andy Webb we have a stacker truck to be modified for this) which will also connect to the loading track and the running lines. The steaming bays will be set about 24 inches off the ground on steel posts, all the steel for which is on site thanks to David Hartland’s scavenging abilities. Once all this has been done we can think about providing water and compressed air supplies to the bays and coupling up the main water tank that John Selby produced some time ago.

Inside the workshop we have plans to develop for stock storage so that items not in regular use can be put to one side leaving the service vehicles readily accessible – David Hartland has some ideas for this. Meanwhile as we get busier we need to consider building additional riding vehicles as well as maintaining the ones we have so there is still plenty for everyone to get on with if you fancy joining in.

Mike

If any member with a 7 1/4” or 5” Gauge Loco would like to run his Loco at Creech when there is no public running, then he may do so on the second Tuesday evening of the month during the summer or alternatively, 'Rambo' has kindly agreed to open the track at any other time, provided that he is not otherwise committed. He can be contacted by Email through our Webmaster, or at Club Meetings or by telephone though any Committee members - telephone numbers on the inside cover of this magazine - to make arrangements.