Gwilli railway extension.

Going slightly off topic, just to inform people that some days this week the gwili will be operation Olwen and the Class 03 diesel on service trains. Friday is definatly like this i believe as im on the 03

 

Another update showing the new crossing gates
http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

In the meantime other parts are being collected for the erection of the gates, we recently aquired one 'long' cast iron crossing gate post from Erwood Station (old Mid-Wales line) in exchange for a complete signal. With other parts in stock we now have all the bits we need, just need to dig holes and install everything now....

 

very nice indeed!!!, like the link to the project page ,please keep us all updated.

dom

 

Another update (not from the website this time)

The next physical steps are intended to be the removal of a small bridge just beyond the end of track as it stands at present, and the erection of the crossing gates. We have recently met a structural engineer to advise on both projects.

For those interested, the bridge to be removed is pictured here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldmiwl/3731369759/in/set-72157621633139228/

The photo is taken just off the present end of track, and the bridge girders can be made out. The bridge passess over a dried out leat, so removal of the bridge and filling in is likely to be the best option. It's now back to the drawing boad so to speak to draw up method statements and all sorts of other paperwork so that we can proceed with the work. The intention is that once the bridge is removed another 10 panels or so will be laid to take us up to the next mile post, we will then be only 3/4 a mile away from the middle of our proposed new station. Don't have a timescale for all this yet but it is part of the short term "plan".

The Crossing Gates project will make quite a big visual difference to Bronwydd station and help with the "retro" preservation of the site. The erection of the gates, we hope, will take place before Christmas so most of the effort/time/finance available is going into this work at present. Anyway, more updates, pictures to follow as things happen.
Regards
Matt

 

I presume that the new gates will be hand operated ?

David

 

yes, it has been deemed too problematical to connect the existing 4 gate system to the wheel in the signal box, so the new system will be 2 gates hand operated by the signal man.

 

ya needs a massive lost motion drive crank to get one gate fully across before the other drives, problem is getting gate 1 to sit there while gate 2 drives, better keep it simple and hand operated with the box right next to it.

looking good lads,keep up the good work!!

 

There is a further update on the new website, again S + T related, in the meantime work has also commenced on the replacement of the crossing gates this weekend with the two north gates being dismantled. Both gate posts have also been removed ready for the one big gate post and striker post to be erected, so there are likely to be further updates shortly. Also on the cards this month is the removal of the bridge mentionned above so after a quietish summer on this front, there is a bit more activity.

http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

 

Thanks for keeping us up to date Matt.

 

Things are moving on well on the Level Crossing now, a further update here
http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

and in addition the first 'tall' gate post is now in position, more pictures to follow soon

Regards,
Matt

 

Yet another update, matters are progressing weekly on the Crossing so here's hoping we can keep this rate up!

http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/


,

 

Hello Matt,

Your crossing post numbers are most probably pattern & part numbers. The 'L' might mean that there is an 'R' somewhere, as these are sometimes handed. As for casting, I think Reading had a foundry, but also had work done at Swindon.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ian

 

The first Crossing gate (north end) has now been erected, no pictures yet but hope to have some soon....job done Friday afternoon in the cold!
The second "large" gate post is being progressed, a large concrete base has been constructed and the post will be erected shortly.
also completing the backdrop at the moment is GWR 1450 which has arrived from the DFR to work santa trains.

 

The website has been updated again with news of the work since December, the second gatepost is now erected so it won't be too long before both gates are up and running.
http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

In other news the design for the replacemnet of the small bridge at the end of the present track is being finalised, and the construction of a long siding is also planned to make working the extension easier! As is the case normally work on the extension takes second priority to work on the operational railway but after some hefty P Way repairs on the main running line this winter the team should be back on the extension again after April.

 

Another update, and things are moving on, both gates erected and just the slam posts to be installed to complete the heavy work.
http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

 

Thanks for the latest update Matt. Keep up the good work!

 

looking good,looks like it was cold there too!

 

Part 7 in the Crossing Gates saga now up...(as well as the slam posts!...)

http://www.grcarmex.co.uk/news/

 

Hello Matt,

Knowing that junction, are you planning to put any protection in front of the post? I'm expecting some 'Herbert' to wrap his car around it.....

Regards,
Ian

 

Being in charge of the crossing project, I can confirm we are going to put protection up in the form of old bull-head rail concreted in front of the post. Hopefully should see off a Mansel Davies lorry, their drivers seem to have been trained at the Nürburgring!

Mike.