Bressingham is open!

Getting the Gallopers ready

Today is the first proper day of the 2011 season. Although open during the February half-term week, today marks the start of the season proper with both the Garden and Nursery Lines due to run.

Unfortunately the blocking high pressure weather system we have been enjoying over the last few weeks has retreated to the continent and let the Atlantic south-westerlies back so today's weather is rather dull and damp at 7:30 and not very conducive to kicking things off with a flying start.

Getting ready for 2011 (and some trackwork)

Final touches to the Gallopers platforms

Today is about finishing off the section of the Nursery Line just past the glasshouse and starting on the minor track defects like replacing the odd bad sleeper, straightening kinks and adjusting the gauge where necessary.

Of course there's lots of other things happening and my lunch break is always spent talking to someone about something or other that is going on.

Trackwork - Fourth session (Yes, I'm mad!)

Sleepers destined for the glasshouse

With the start of season now only two weeks away, the pressure is on to get the track finished and in serviceable condition to satisfy the Railway Inspectorate. Even though it's a narrow gauge railway, it's still subject to a swathe of legislation ensuring its safety and operation.

To this end it's vital that we get a section of track near the glasshouse replaced, and the more hands the merrier.

Trackwork 2011 - Third session (Am I mad?)

Spreading ballast

With customers postponing my site visits, I take advantage of the situation and decide that a third round of trackwork is in order. Am I mad? Some might say so, but for me it's relaxing and by the end of the day I can sit back and know that I've made a difference. It's also a day not spent battling the M25 which has to be a good thing.