Despite some stumbles and internal politics, the Shillingstone Railway Project has continued on its transition from a heritage site and museum, into a working preserved railway; the North Dorset Railway.
The arrival of Hudswell Clarke Shunter "Ashdown", and subsequent driver training programme, has seen the NDR gain a capable and useful locomotive for the sites immediate needs. "Ashdown" has received a new coat of primer since arriving on the site, with a view to fully repaint the locomotive in the NDR's own colour scheme as the warmer months arrive. The locomotive was started during the day, to ensure all its mechanical systems remain in order, and the batteries charged: In order to help with the latter, the roof has been fitted with small solar panels on one side. Meanwhile, work is ongoing with the maintenance and refurbishment of some of the railways' rolling stock.
Project 62, which has been set up to oversee the overhaul and maintenance of the NDR's two Class S62 tanks, continues work on the overhaul of 30075's chassis while 30076 is on display outside their tent.
The current main focus of the groundworks has been centred around the re-routing of the public "North Dorset Trailway", which formerly used the trackbed of the railway, in order to reach Lamb House Bridge and beyond unobstructed. This has seen a temporary diversion to the pathway constructed, while heavy groundwork takes place to implement the permanent diversion on the East side of the trackbed. Once this has been done, work can begin on rebuilding the 1-in-80 banking north of Shillingstone station towards Lamb House Bridge. The work is currently ahead of schedule, due to abnormally good weather for this time of year.
Locomotives:
Hudswell Clarke Diesel Mechanical Shunter - "Ashdown" (Name not carried)
BR Ruston 48DS Class Dock Shunter - DS1169 "Little Eva"
Yugoslavia Class S62 (USA Class S100) Tank - 30076
Yugoslavia Class S62 (USA Class S100) Tank - 30075
All footage filmed on Saturday the 12th of February 2022.
13 окт 2024