The Extension Is Now Open

It's been a rare dry day here in West Bromwich so I've been able to get a full day's work in on the railway and the first trains have been run on the extension. A little fettling is still required (like shaving a little off the shed) but it will now be operating on the open day in 11 days time.

20 Days to My Open Day

It poured with rain all day yesterday, but this evening I've managed to work outside for an hour or two. The track has now been laid on the lower level and partially on the higher level. The next jobs are to complete the painting of the platforms and add the ballast.

22 days to my open day

With just over three weeks to go, the gap is finally closed and the new station area is taking shape. The low level platform is complete and just needs painting, the steps have been cast and mortared into position and the high level platform is in place too.

The blocks in the foreground are supporting the walls while the concrete dries. 

The new station area

Steps connecting high and low levels

I don't think any work will get done on the railway today!

The shed area

The rear garden

Flooding

34 Days To My Open Day

Preparation for the open day continues.  As most of the work involves concrete, I've had to make the most of this rare dry day - although heavy rain is forecast this evening and over night.

The last viaduct pier has been cast.

Looking from the other side of the viaduct.  The concrete in the middle section of the new station area has been made lower so that the Cain Howley station sections can be sunk below track level.  I think they are a little high for a narrow gauge railway.

A general view of viaduct and station area, taken from near the bottom of the garden.

Zooming in shows clearly that the viaduct is on a steep gradient

38 Days To My Open Day

Progress on the railway has been very slow recently due to a combination of poor weather and a nasty bout of man flu.

Another viaduct section has been added - reducing the gap to 26 inches.

On the lower level, I have started putting in the footings for the new station area.

The viaduct (and gap) and the new station area

A view of the viaduct from the shed.  In the foreground is the modified embankment which still needs finishing. 

A New Station

There appears to be a national shortage of viaduct sections so while I'm waiting for more to be produced I've decided to start on the new station area.

The area marked out with string.  In the background is the 'gap' where the viaduct sections will go and to the right is the removable bridge.

The station area with the turf removed

Unfortunately this is as far as I got before having to go out.  Perhaps if it doesn't rain too much this week I can get the footings in.