Wensleydale Railway Rail Link Photos

Wensleydale Railway - Photo Archive

September 2023

Photographs

During September lots of work has been going on on the railway. This month we have:
1. Some of our trains.
2. Leyburn Station.
3. Our ‘new’ antique till.
4. Installation of new facilities at Bedale signal box.
5. Scaffolding erected at Constable Burton for the new signal box.
6. Work at Finghall Station Group.
7. Painting of new slats for the picket fence at Aiskew.
8. Restoration of the Wickham Trolley continues.
9. Conversion of an old Mk1 coach into a 'green room' for the Polar Express actors.
10. Restoration of a Mk2 coach continues.
11. Restoration of the railway crane continues.
12. The pile of rails in Leeming Bar car park has now been dispersed along the line to where they are needed.
13. Work by our infrastructure team.
14. Work by our vegetation team.

Photos of the special train for ‘buy a seat’ sponsors of our new Mk1 coaches and also of the WR plc Sponsors Afternoon Tea Train can be found at here.

For more photos of the conversion of an old Mk1 coach into a 'green room' for the Polar Express actors see here.

For more photos of the restoration of the Wickham Trolley see here.

For more photos of the restoration of the railway crane see here, here and here.

For more photos of the restoration of the Mk 2 coach see here

Ref - 12230

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 with our rake of smart Mk1 carriages at Leeming Bar (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12230

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 with our rake of smart Mk1 carriages at Leeming Bar (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12231

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 at Leeming Bar (10/09/2023)
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Ref - 12232

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Our class 121 'bubblecar' the other side of the level crossing at Leeming Bar (10/09/2023)
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Ref - 12233

Photo - Timothy Edwards
The entrance to Leyburn Station (24/09/2023)
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Ref - 12234

Photo - Timothy Edwards
The well stocked Leyburn shop (24/09/2023)
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Ref - 12235

Photo - Clare Bell
The railway has recently got hold of an antique till. (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12236

Photo - Clare Bell
The railway has recently got hold of an antique till. Bob Coombs (Leeming Bar Station Master) is examining at it. (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12237

Photo - Clare Bell
The railway has recently got hold of an antique till. Bob Coombs (Leeming Bar Station Master) is examining at it. (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12238

Photo - Timothy Edwards
A water heater for the hand washing is in the process of being installed in the Bedale signal box toilet. It is hoped that it will be operational in time for Polar Express (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12239

Photo - Timothy Edwards
A hand drier is in the process of being installed in the Bedale signal box toilet. It is hoped that it will be operational in time for Polar Express (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12240

Photo - Timothy Edwards
The scaffolding at Constable Burton is erected ready for the rebuilding on a signal box originally from Hertford East (10/09/2023)
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Ref - 12241

Photo - Timothy Edwards
The scaffolding at Constable Burton is erected ready for the rebuilding on a signal box originally from Hertford East (10/09/2023)
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Ref - 12242

Photo - Richard Kirk
Finghall Lane - Someone has broken down the fencing close to the level crossing using quite a bit of force. Quickly repaired by the station team to stop trespass onto the railway. (07/09/2023)
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Ref - 12243

Photo - Richard Kirk
Finghall Lane - Someone has broken down the fencing close to the level crossing using quite a bit of force. To be repaired by the station team to stop trespass onto the railway. (07/09/2023)
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Ref - 12244

Photo - Richard Kirk
Finghall Lane - new signage has been fitted to the station which really improves the look of the station. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12245

Photo - Richard Kirk
Finghall Lane - new signage has been fitted to the station which really improves the look of the station. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12246

Photo - Nick Keegan
Picket fence slats in the process of being sanded (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12247

Photo - Nick Keegan
A very large pile of picket fence slats in the process of being painted (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12248

Photo - Nick Keegan
A very large pile of picket fence slats in the process of being painted (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12249

Photo - Nick Keegan
A very large pile of picket fence slats in the process of being painted (--/09/2023)
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Ref - 12250

Photo - Richard Kirk
Fencing - All the fencing at Aiskew level crossing needs replacing. A painting station has been set up in the Good Shed at Leeming Bar to paint the hundreds of new palings and rails. Volunteers from many different groups on the railway are coming together to help the mammoth task. A great wet day job. (19/09/2023)
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Ref - 12251

Photo - Richard Kirk
Five members of staff from Network Rail came to volunteer with us for a day to help paint the palings and rails for the replacement of the fencing at Aiskew level crossing. Their help made a huge difference to the painting project. (27/09/2023)
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Ref - 12252

Photo - Clare Bell
Five members of staff from Network Rail came to volunteer with us for a day to help paint the palings and rails for the replacement of the fencing at Aiskew level crossing. Their help made a huge difference to the painting project. (27/09/2023)
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Ref - 12253

Photo - Clare Bell
Five members of staff from Network Rail came to volunteer with us for a day to help paint the palings and rails for the replacement of the fencing at Aiskew level crossing. Their help made a huge difference to the painting project. (27/09/2023)
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Ref - 12254

Photo - Richard Kirk
Fencing - A stile has been replaced by an easier to use gate. Public footpath crossing close to Crakehall with an audience. (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12255

Photo - Richard Kirk
Fencing - A stile has been replaced by an easier to use gate. Public footpath crossing close to Crakehall (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12321

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Work is continuing on the restoration of the Wickham Trolley. The bodywork is now starting to take shape (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12322

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Work is continuing on the restoration of the Wickham Trolley. The bodywork is now starting to take shape (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12323

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Work is continuing on the restoration of the Wickham Trolley. The engine - it is a Ford engine (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12326

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Work is continuing on the restoration of the Wickham Trolley. The bodywork and roof are now starting to take shape (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12327

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Work is continuing on the restoration of the Wickham Trolley. The bodywork and roof are now starting to take shape (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12299

Photo - Timothy Edwards
An old Mk1 coach - now moved into the yard at Leeming Bar. It is to being converted into a 'Green Room' for the Polar Express actors (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12303

Photo - Timothy Edwards
An old Mk1 coach It is to being converted into a 'Green Room' for the Polar Express actors. Doors have been refitted and work is progressing on the inside (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12306

Photo - Timothy Edwards
An old Mk1 coach It is to being converted into a 'Green Room' for the Polar Express actors. Doors have been refitted and work is progressing on the inside (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12309

Photo - Timothy Edwards
An old Mk1 coach It is to being converted into a 'Green Room' for the Polar Express actors. Doors have been refitted and work is progressing on the inside (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12288

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of a Mk2 coach. Here part of the side is being filled in and sanded smooth (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12291

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of a Mk2 coach. Some welding has been done on the roof (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12292

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of a Mk2 coach. New strengthening girders have been welded into place on the east end of the coach (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12294

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of a Mk2 coach. New strengthening girders have been welded into place on the east end of the coach. Here seen from the inside (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12313

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of the railway crane. The match truck has had most of its decking replaced (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12316

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of the railway crane. The match truck has had most of its decking replaced (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12318

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of the railway crane. The Direct Works team are cleaning up some rusted areas of the truck prior to painting (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12319

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Restoration of the railway crane. The Direct Works team are cleaning up some rusted areas of the truck prior to painting (26/09/2023)
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Ref - 12256

Photo - Nick Keegan
The large pile of rails in Leeming Bar car park. This needed to be removed very shortly as the area is needed for Polar Express. (--/08/2023)
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Ref - 12257

Photo - Nigel Cockburn
D9523 on a works train taking 56 lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs that were from Billingham to the site near Redmire where they will be used to improve the line.
The train is seen at Wilkinsons UWC (04/09/2023)
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Ref - 12258

Photo - Nigel Cockburn
D9523 on a works train taking 56 lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs that were from Billingham to the site near Redmire where they will be used to improve the line.
Here the team are unloading rail chairs at Leyburn (04/09/2023)
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Ref - 12259

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
The Billingham rail has been loaded onto the rail wagon previously and now needs to removed at trackside. In the olden days this would involve men standing on top and using crow bars and they would barr them off into the cess. This is now frowned upon as working at height. This new safer method involves webbing straps looped onto the rails and then fixed to the rail via the fishplate hole. Using the ladder to attach the shackle this is as safe as we can get. (04/09/2023)
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Ref - 12260

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
With everyone standing back the train draws forward and the rails slide off into the 4 foot. (04/09/2023)
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Ref - 12261

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
The rails land in the 4 foot and the train is told to stop. Next..! (04/09/2023)
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Ref - 12262

Photo - Timothy Edwards
A wagon loaded with rails in Leeming Bar yard (12/09/2023)
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Ref - 12263

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 passing Bedale with a works train taking more lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs to further up the line where they are needed for track replacement (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12264

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 passing Bedale with a works train taking more lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs to further up the line where they are needed for track replacement (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12265

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 passing Bedale with a works train taking more lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs to further up the line where they are needed for track replacement (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12266

Photo - Timothy Edwards
D9523 passing Bedale with a works train taking more lengths of 60 foot 95 pound bull head rail and chairs to further up the line where they are needed for track replacement (18/09/2023)
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Ref - 12267

Photo - Bob Coombs
The large pile of rails at Leeming Bar that came from Billingham has now gone - distributed along our line where they will be used to replace life expired rails. This needed to be cleared as the whole Leeming Bar car park will be needed for Polar Express. (27/09/2023)
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Ref - 12268

Photo - Andy Waite
Our infrastructure team has been out in action again. This time it was removing a track twist near the A1(M) road bridge at Leeming Bar. Regular track maintenance is just one part of the essential, and usually unseen, activities that are carried out in all weathers by our hard-working permanent way/infrastructure teams. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12269

Photo - Andy Waite
Our infrastructure team has been out in action again. This time it was removing a track twist near the A1(M) road bridge at Leeming Bar. Regular track maintenance is just one part of the essential, and usually unseen, activities that are carried out in all weathers by our hard-working permanent way/infrastructure teams. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12270

Photo - Andy Waite
Our infrastructure team has been out in action again. This time it was removing a track twist near the A1(M) road bridge at Leeming Bar. This photo shows the completed work. Regular track maintenance is just one part of the essential, and usually unseen, activities that are carried out in all weathers by our hard-working permanent way/infrastructure teams. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12271

Photo - Andy Waite
Our infrastructure team has been out in action again. This time it was removing a track twist near the A1(M) road bridge at Leeming Bar. This photo shows the completed work. Regular track maintenance is just one part of the essential, and usually unseen, activities that are carried out in all weathers by our hard-working permanent way/infrastructure teams. (21/09/2023)
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Ref - 12272

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
A chipper was hired in to shred some brash previously cut down between Wilkinson's UWC on outskirts of Leyburn and B28. (11/09/2023)
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Ref - 12273

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
The grass carpet nearly hides the rails in a burst of sun. (11/09/2023)
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Ref - 12274

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
A full line (22 Miles) Geismar Amber Rail Mounted Data Logger survey was carried out week commencing 11-09-23. This day we did from Redmire line end buffer stop to Leyburn Station and this photo is taken under Leyburn Shawl on a very weed free section of the line. (13/09/2023)
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Ref - 12275

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
Work continues in Leyburn cutting to install a drainage pipe and cover it with some excess ballast from further up the line. (25/09/2023)
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Ref - 12276

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
View from the other end looking towards Leyburn. Pipe is covered with a membrane to hopefully reduce ash and soil contamination. (25/09/2023)
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Ref - 12277

Photo - Michael Metcalfe
The end of the piped section and should flow out and away further down the trackside. (25/09/2023)
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Photo - Michael Metcalfe
A start was made to install another drainage pipe from half way from B28 towards Wilkinson's crossing in the distance. (25/09/2023)
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Ref - 12279

Photo - Alan Graham
On the first Wednesday in September the vegetation team turned out to this level crossing which is the first one you come to when heading west past Bedale signal box. (06/09/2023)
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Ref - 12280

Photo - Alan Graham
The same crossing a little later in the day following the attention of the vegetation team; user visibility much improved, (06/09/2023)
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Ref - 12281

Photo - Alan Graham
The vegetation team arriving at Smith's Crossing between Finghall and Constable Burton om 27th September. The crossing had already been strimmed and cut back once this year but regrowth necessitated it again. We don't have an After image as the weather was so bad later. (27/09/2023)
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Ref - 12282

Photo - Timothy Edwards
Tennants Auction House at Leyburn from the train (10/09/2023)
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Photo - Timothy Edwards
Newton Le Willows from the train (10/09/2023)
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Photo - Timothy Edwards
Newton Le Willows from the train (10/09/2023)
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Photo - Timothy Edwards
A lovely scene from the train (10/09/2023)
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Photo - Timothy Edwards
A peaceful field of cows from the train (10/09/2023)
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Photo - Timothy Edwards
A peaceful field of cows from the train (10/09/2023)
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