Saturday 9th saw a good squad assemble in anticipation of much visible progress with our 12 tonne Rail Crane, alas it broke down almost immediately, necessitating Nathan to make a wee trip to Inverness to get a part sorted/made.
Mid afternoon recommencement of the big lift
and this was the scene at close of play at a late 6pm!
Thanks to John for photos and of course all that attended.
By Thursday 14th Georgie and I believe Fergus had been busy rebuilding the switch recorded above at the start of another mid week day with a good turnout (no pun intended!)
Our aim to insert closure rails - which inevitably meant dealing with Mike's favourite fixing - elastic spikes! Martin doing the easy part hammering them in, although as it transpired all 6 holes in the baseplates had to be spiked to give them a good grip on the sharp curve.
Georgie doing the technical as always - measuring, cutting and inserting the rails. Angus and Roddy fishplating up and myself any labouring. Job complete to Georgie's satisfaction by 4pm.
Saturday 16th saw the 4 length gap closed up with concrete sleepers, rubber pads, biscuits, clips and newer rails.
Possibly a bit of slewing still to do! But essentially stringy bits all joined up again.
Hate to think the number of man/woman hours put into this time critical project but we were certainly helped by dry weather.