Last PWay weekend saw considerable tidying of ballast, measured shovel packing (MSP) etc on the Drumullie straight, tiring but satisfying work as it should require very little maintenance in the future.
When we first laid the line we where left with short irregular lengths of rail, meaning joints straddling sleepers, staggered joints and other unsatisfactory things for the long term. To rectify these "defects" and reduce maintenance in the form of oiling fishplates and MSP etc. It was decided to weld together the short lengths and make a number of 180 foot lengths.
Above in preparation of the Welders coming, temporary clamps and fishplates necessitated a long 10 miles per hour temporary speed restriction, which I am sure theTraincrew enjoyed immensely!
Warming of rail just prior toThermic Welding, photo from M.Tough
The still very hot mould after welding, photo from M.Tough
Rail Grinding off the rough bits.
I believe in total 27 welds were completed over the two days, thanks go to the professional welders from Renown Rail Services from York & Doncaster and if money permits they may well be back.
Here's a video of the Thermic Welding in Sweden
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