East Somerset Railway

As part of the maintenance team at Alresford station, it is amazing how quickly tree saplings germinate in the bits of of track that the weed killer can't get at! Field maples germinating underneath stored stock for instance! As there are only limited numbers of staff and volunteers with the requisite weedkiller certificates, we do a lot of hand removal.
Good to see the ESR running again

 

The preceding posts prove how quickly Mother Nature can regain her ground! On the other thread mentioned it appears to be suggested that weeding by hand of 22 miles of track will be fine and that will be it. I suggest long before they are finished they will find that it will need further remedial work. Anyone with garden or gardens will know how fast unwanted plant species take hold. Keep heart and keep going lads and lassies. I did my small part some years ago.
Only in Enid Blyton books is the world so wonderful.

 

Just booked for Sunday - the Ivatt is running

11.00 is sold out, the next two have limited availability & only the 1500 has a lot of tickets left

Looks like they are doing business

 

I travelled a fortnight ago and thought the railway had done everything possible to make the public feel safe in the current Covid situation.

After your journey your ticket will cover you for additional trips if there is availability. Enjoy your day. <BJ>

 

Well, turned up & the joint was jumping. It seems that the afternoon tea train is popular.

The Ivatt was running and seemed in good form.

At my request I had a compartment in the suburban, so travelled in the way most passengers would have on secondary lines until the arrival of DMU's.

There was evidence of significant re sleepering in the sidings but the running lines needed the weedkilling train.

All in all a good afternoon out

 

5542 is going to the ESR until early next year https://www.facebook.com/Loco5542/posts/3221335101291393

 

5542 arrived at the ESR this morning. A couple of photos are attached showing it with sister 4555 which is heading to Tyseley for firebox repairs.

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Good photo of two favourites. Interesting to spot the external differences of the two locos.

 

Yes interesting to see. Also 4555 doesn’t have its ‘Warrior’ nameplates. Have they been left off for the duration of it’s visit to the ESR?

 

I believe they were never refitted at Churston, it certainly didn't have them when it arrived at Cranmore.

 

5542 passed its acceptance exam this evening and shall be in service this weekend.

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Couple of carriage movements today (2/12/20). Thumper S60117/1118 arrived from the Lavender Line for attention to the bodywork by CTMS. Bluebell Railway's Buffet S1838 will be returning to them following the fitting of new carriage ends by CTMS. Final finishing to be done at the Bluebell.

 

Interesting to see that the Bluebell had the ends done, but did nothing about the usual mk1 problem of the seam near the sole bar. Mind you, I suspect it's probably more difficult on a buffet.

 

Photo above of the Thumber was taken a week ago as it was being unloaded. Since then CTMS have removed much of the lower side panelling and the rotten ribs behind which are now being replaced together with the end. Also the roof has been stripped back to bare metal, a rust hole was discovered which was largely to blame for the state of the side. Photos below taken today, 9/12/20.

 

That's quick work!
Is the roof needle-gunned or do you have another way of stripping it?

Keith

 

heat gun? nitromoors stripper ,

 

Possibly Martin. Just interested because it's a very clean finish!

Keith

 

Nice to see photos of CMTS at work, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is interested in seeing them. I realise that sometimes it's probably requested that the vehicles in there not be photographed until they're finished.

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I don't know but will ask and let you know later.

 

Thank you

Keith