This post was originally the final update to the Workshop page of the old MVR website.
I suppose I must begin this report with the usual apology for lack of updates to this page. The last eighteen months have been a hectic period in which I moved from the south of England to the borders of Wales. Inevitably, garden railway matters have been rather neglected during this time.
Unfortunately, that neglect has taken its toll on the railway's infrastructure. Ever since the MVR was first built ten years ago, the breezeblocks used in the Rutton station area have proved vulnerable to frost erosion. These particular blocks were originally acquired c.2000 for our original temporary railway, before the MVR proper was built; they must have been poor quality as the blocks used in other areas, purchased new when the MVR was built in 2004, have not yet been affected by this problem.
I suppose I must begin this report with the usual apology for lack of updates to this page. The last eighteen months have been a hectic period in which I moved from the south of England to the borders of Wales. Inevitably, garden railway matters have been rather neglected during this time.
Unfortunately, that neglect has taken its toll on the railway's infrastructure. Ever since the MVR was first built ten years ago, the breezeblocks used in the Rutton station area have proved vulnerable to frost erosion. These particular blocks were originally acquired c.2000 for our original temporary railway, before the MVR proper was built; they must have been poor quality as the blocks used in other areas, purchased new when the MVR was built in 2004, have not yet been affected by this problem.
In the picture above, taken in 2011, some of the damaged areas can clearly be seen. Although the outermost running rail had already been slightly undermined, LGB's famous "elephant proof" track is so rigidly constructed that it could still support the weight of trains running over it! However, over the two subsequent winters, the problem worsened significantly. Finally, in April 2013, inspection revealed that the main line through Rutton was more than half undermined in places; it was clear that this line had to be closed to all traffic. Since then, all trains have had to run through the tightly-curved loop road, which imposes severe operational limitations.
Alas, I was too preoccupied with other matters to make any further progress during the remainder of the year. However, the MVR's upcoming 10th anniversary has provided a significant spur to undertake the necessary repairs so that trains can run again. During a visit home in February, the track through the affected area was lifted and loose debris cleared to allow a proper assessment of the work required. The pictures below, taken before and after tracklifting, give some idea of the extent of the damage.
Alas, I was too preoccupied with other matters to make any further progress during the remainder of the year. However, the MVR's upcoming 10th anniversary has provided a significant spur to undertake the necessary repairs so that trains can run again. During a visit home in February, the track through the affected area was lifted and loose debris cleared to allow a proper assessment of the work required. The pictures below, taken before and after tracklifting, give some idea of the extent of the damage.
Since then, I have sought expert advice on how best to proceed. Unsurprisingly, the consensus is that the existing blocks are now too far gone to repair. Therefore, the plan is to remove them completely and lay a continuous strip of new concrete in their place. It is thought that this method should prove to be both cheaper and more durable than buying new breezeblocks. Since I have no previous experience of mixing or laying concrete, I will have to call in support in order to complete the work. Hopefully it will happen soon!
In the meantime, a break from work has allowed me to devote some time to a couple of long-neglected rolling stock projects. In the last update, I reported on the repaint of A1, and noted that A2 was next in line for the same treatment. Work started in the spring of 2013, but had to be suspended when I moved to Wales. Twelve months on the work has finally been completed, and A2 re-entered traffic at the recent Woodrow Light Railway steam-up (see community page).
Back in April 2012, I noted that K2 required repairs to an axlebox and replacement of her roof. The roof was removed soon afterwards, but no further work took place until two weeks ago! The new roof is now in place; she now waits until I can acquire more stripwood to make rainstrips. Before fitting the new roof, I took the opportunity to glue two large stones inside the van body; the extra weight will hopefully help her to ride more smoothly, as well as making Russell work a bit harder!
Our final news item this month is the acquisition of a new item of rolling stock. Over the winter, I wanted a quick project that I could undertake in Wales without having to transfer too many of my tools, paints, glues etc. from Buckinghamshire. I have wanted a tank wagon for the MVR for some time; in the past I had eyed up the Lehmann "Toy Train" tank wagon. I knew that GRS produced a British-outline detailing kit for this vehicle, and I decided that such a conversion would be a suitably straightforward project. I duly acquired the requisite tank wagon from eBay, only to discover that GRS no longer stock the conversion kit! Therefore, I will have to make the necessary detailing parts (crossbeams and angle straps) myself; hopefully, I will soon be able to acquire the necessary materials and make a start.
So, as ever, I have plenty of plans and good intentions - but if you want to see actual progress, don't hold your breath!
In the meantime, a break from work has allowed me to devote some time to a couple of long-neglected rolling stock projects. In the last update, I reported on the repaint of A1, and noted that A2 was next in line for the same treatment. Work started in the spring of 2013, but had to be suspended when I moved to Wales. Twelve months on the work has finally been completed, and A2 re-entered traffic at the recent Woodrow Light Railway steam-up (see community page).
Back in April 2012, I noted that K2 required repairs to an axlebox and replacement of her roof. The roof was removed soon afterwards, but no further work took place until two weeks ago! The new roof is now in place; she now waits until I can acquire more stripwood to make rainstrips. Before fitting the new roof, I took the opportunity to glue two large stones inside the van body; the extra weight will hopefully help her to ride more smoothly, as well as making Russell work a bit harder!
Our final news item this month is the acquisition of a new item of rolling stock. Over the winter, I wanted a quick project that I could undertake in Wales without having to transfer too many of my tools, paints, glues etc. from Buckinghamshire. I have wanted a tank wagon for the MVR for some time; in the past I had eyed up the Lehmann "Toy Train" tank wagon. I knew that GRS produced a British-outline detailing kit for this vehicle, and I decided that such a conversion would be a suitably straightforward project. I duly acquired the requisite tank wagon from eBay, only to discover that GRS no longer stock the conversion kit! Therefore, I will have to make the necessary detailing parts (crossbeams and angle straps) myself; hopefully, I will soon be able to acquire the necessary materials and make a start.
So, as ever, I have plenty of plans and good intentions - but if you want to see actual progress, don't hold your breath!