The thanks to Sir Colin Flugel

8th November 2007

In view of my present indisposition, as seen above, Colin has very kindly taken some pictures for me, of activities outside of the workshop, which I seldom get to show. This pleases me greatly, as there is far more to the place than the Thursday restoration in the workshop. So thank you indeed Colin. I'm sure that will be echoed by many of the readers too. Right, let's go.................................

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Colins pictures are taken at the new level crossing for a start. Seen here in crouched form is our Rachel, arranging the conduit to carry the wiring for the crossing lights and bells. In the distance, the trencher is busy doing its thing.

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Same people but in reverse and continuing on.

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What the well dressed track gang will be wearing this season. Rachel in a delightful shade of Hi Viz orange. A tasteful little number with ungathered waist, having just that refined touch of reflective white. Beside her in glad array is our Jolly Roger, sweetly attired in a teal top and ghastly trousers, set off with a cheeky little black cap. Together they make a delightful pair on the catwalk.

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Now we transfer our attention to more recent events. The lads are placing a brace for a signal post. The brace is 12'' x12" and is to be clamped to the post to provide additional support.

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Here, they are placing a strainer wire to tension the stay while they place the concrete and clamps.

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Bert winds on the tension. The guy in the Hi Viz overalls is a new member by the name of Danny. He, Roger and Bert all worked at Otira for a time. I'll try to get a bit more of the low-down on this at a later time.

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Four feet deep of concrete and the clamps later. That post ain't goin' nowhere. What do you reckon Ray is saying to photographer Colin? (What was it Colin?)

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Back at the new crossing, the traffic lights are being fitted and the road surface is finished. A very professional job indeed.

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Also mounted are the drivers lights. The overhead wires in the background are where the trolley buses turn around at the end of their run.

Again my thanks to Colin for all the above pictures.

Now................Not only, but also....................

I escaped !!

In the latter part of the afternoon, I absconded with my wifes (automatic) car. I simply threw my useless left leg to one side and off I went. I needed a 'fix'. A Canterbury Railway Society 'Fix'. I managed to drop anchor before everybody had gone and had a good time catching up on all the serious gossip. Nectar of the gods indeed.

Camera? Yes indeed. In my right pocket..................

To prove I was there, here's the Diesel traction Groups 'De' sitting on the valley line near the level crossing. Sir Colins vehicle to the left. My reason for this picture being that there's an interesting connection between the classes 'De', 'Ew' and 'Dm'. ('Dm' as in the motor coach of the multiple unit.) Know what they all have in common? Most of you won't, but the clever guys amongst us will tell you that........................

............they all share the same bogies. In fact, at the factory where they were built, I believe a few bogies were 'robbed' from the multiple units under construction, ( with suitable approval) to make a start on the construction of the 'De' class. So there's something to show you that I'm not yet dead and buried! Cheers, 'K'.