On a Monday in September, when the weather was good, a group of volunteers assembled and set up to weed kill along the line.
New nozzles had been fitted to
the wagon with a broader spray pattern to the 'arms' of the wagon that spray the
cesses (above) and these were seen to be successful - so much so that the
rest of the nozzles will be changed for next time.
The whole of the line, from the Network Rail boundary to the Dulnain Bridge
(above) was sprayed well within the day, including loops, but not including
the yards, which were hand sprayed by a contractor earlier in the year.
With some pesticide left over, and some time available, the platforms at
Boat of Garten were also treated, using the long hose from the wagon on Platform
1 (above) and a backpack sprayer on Platform 2 (no image). Thanks to
Georgie for getting things ready, Stevie for driving the Class 31 and Mike and
Roger for working hard through the day. Some tweaks to our process will be
incorporated for next years weedkilling, but the line is really showing the
benefits of additional pesticide treatments.
And when the lineside is not kept in check! (above) on the Big Railway yesterday - the 6X88 - Hartlepool to Georgemas Jn "Pipes", having struck fallen branches just south of Culloden Viaduct, proceeded under authority at very slow speed until unfortunately the first two Locomotive wheelsets derailed at the first set of switches, closing the Highland Main Line for most of the day.
Thanks to Ian for Weedkilling text and photos and Mike for the Big Railway photo.
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