

An attempt to document the activities of the Strathspey Railway permanent way department
Slight widening of gauge required on curve behind train (only one end pre-drilled in advance to allow such fine adjustments)
Luncheon was taken in the warmth of the Brakevan (much warmer than the Messvan which wasn't in the train consist)
Almost certainly a record for The Strathspey Railway - 74 sleepers changed in one day!
The complete pre-drilling to gauge of all sleepers on the straight definitely helped get them in quickly and above photo was taken by Strathspey Railway Chairman - Doug Scott who came to see the excellent progress.
Many thanks to Georgie, Martin, David, Fergus, Kevin and Ian & Mike who took the other photos/info.
Mike recently did a Track Inspection and checked that the water was going into the water tower at Boat of Garten and spotted passing traffic below!
Another weekend of the week long cold snap and more snow, meant P'Way had other duties
Thanks to all mentioned.
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The following day -Saturday 26th saw the commencement of the festive train service and the P'Way having given up their Absolute Possession of the Line the day before,
with the Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) Notices posted at the appropriate locations
and the refectorised on track reminder boards in situ, the first of the Express trains eventually passed us at a sedate steamy 10 miles per hour.
The mammoth task of re-sleepering started in ernest today. As Georgie expected, a certain amount of re-gauging was required, only the high rail sleepers had been pre-drilled, the opportunity was also taken to replace all of the remaining wooden ferrules/ & worn screws with new. Both Mike & I were glad Fergus was with us as he seems to be able to throw the heavy sleepers about with ease. Approximately 20 sleepers changed in just over two lengths, took us beyond Kinchurdy Level Crossing but a long way to go.......
Thanks to all that attended and the warm sunny weather!