Army Visit 17th - 21st November. E.O.Railway

We had the honour of hosting the army, from the Royal Engineers at Marshwood near Southampton, at Ongar to help out with various tasks. This was valuable to the railway in that it helped with jobs that might otherwise take weeks to complete. The main task was to make up track panels ready for laying at the end of the platform toward Cripsey Brook. The other job was to look at the Rushton Shunter, which hasn't run properly for 3 plus years. Suffice to say these jobs were done and completed with great efficiency.



The team consisted of 6 members who worked on the track: they were led by Corporal Craig Garrick and lance Corporal Dave Lyons, then Corporal Puffer Smith (TA), Privates Bell, Emanuel Obeng and Ry (from Nepal). Initially the track was to be laid between the end of the platform and Cripsey Brook but it was decided to stick to one task of making up the panels instead of making them up and then trying to lay them at the same time.



The track team set about making up track panels, a very heavy and demanding job. This required a lot of effort using hand tools to lift the sleepers and rail sections in to place. As you will see from the pictures, it was done with a smile on their faces.



There were 2 members who worked on the Rushton Shunter and they were Sgt Dave Gorton (TA) and Cpl Scott Rule




The Rushton Shunter was checked over using the manuals and help from our resident mechanical team member Doug Pinkney. Sgt Gorton and Corporal Rule started by checking all the mechanics, oils and cleaning some of the mechanisms. The engine was fired up Thursday and she rolled on the final day, Friday, with our volunteer Bob Sell taking the controls on behalf of the railway.



I'd like to thank on behalf of Epping Ongar Railway, Warrant Officer Craig Taylor for organising the army trip and also the team who came down for all their hard work. Those of us present really enjoyed your visit and were very honoured to have met you all. THANKS


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