What is happening on the GHLR

GHLR News.

Most recent entries now at the TOP!!!

Hello again,
            It's 2004 now and things are already steaming ahead. On a visit to PPS in early January I bought a load of second hand track including four sets of points for �20!! I have since used most of this to re-lay the viaduct and some of the branch line. 2004 has seen the purchase of another coach. This will be the replacement for 103, and is almost identical in specification. It will haver the same livery, and is the same size. For pictures of 103a (this new one is 103b) view the pictures on the relevant page. I have managed to extend the site for Slag Heap Sidings, creating a larger sidings area, and allowing wider zstock to operate comfortably.
     Throughout all these modifications to Quarry Pit loop and Slag Heap Sidings yard, I have now managed to put in a siding at Edmund Hill Halt, allowing more than one train (albeit both of them have to be short) to operate on the branch line. It also allows storage of rolling stock there during the day.
     Now that festivities are over I have to crack on with getting Unicorn into running condition. THIS WILL BE DONE BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY. I have also got to find a coach 106, preferably an NDR quarrymans coach to go with 104. I am also going to build another brake coach to give 101 a rest from work. All coaching rolling stock has been varnished to make it withstand the cold, and this also makes them look cleaner. I have also drawn up a registering system for all my vehicles, as well as painting all axleboxes to show braking status.
     I am still trying to get round to revamping the rest of the website, but this takes time so it may take a while. Merstham Steam Show is on May 15/16th, and I will be there again. Cheddar Steam Show is an April 24/25th, I will be there also.

See you soon.
        January 27th 2004.

Why are we waiting... ...!
Sorry it has taken so long to update this website, but life has been incredibly hectic between January and now that this has taken the back burner!
Lots has been happening recently - two coaches have been built (103 and 106), as well as a wagon (203), and a brake van (301) has been purchased. See the Rolling Stock pages for more info. A new locomotive has been ordered (No.5 - Sir Galahad), and it has been confirmed that it will be formerly purchased andcollected on August 21st at the PPS Open Day. This loco will be subject to many machanial alterations, more info in the future. Come if you can make it, just let Alan know so he can make enough refreshments. The only new vehicle to be purchased this year will be a brake coach of some sort to allow 101 to be relived from duty more often than it is presently.
Coaches 102 and 105 are currently out of service as they require attention to their superstructures. 102 requires a new floor and re-furnishing after some rodent-like vandals attacked it one night, and 105 requires the chassis being strengthened, new bufferbeams being manufactured, and also furnishing.
Things have changed significantly on the trackwork front also. The Edmund Hill branch line has been lifted (it became too dangerous to work on it), and in its place an extension is currently being laid to Tanyard East, beyond Slag Heap Sidings (see map), to allow two trains to run o the mainline. This facility and operational flexibility is also further enhanced by a proper loop at Quarry Pit with baseboards, and a move of the station from the mainine to the loop. It is planned to build a goods yard at the far end of Quarry pit, and at Tanyard, to allow goods trains to run with passengers. Timetables have already been drawn up (bored on a wet weekend), and all that is required now is to gain permission and track to build it! First, though, locomotive facilities must be built at Tanyard, consisting of locomotive sheds, coaling/fueling stages, turntable (not enough room for headshunt and loads of points), etc.

It's all go here, and apart from PPS on August 21st, the next public show I will be attending is Exeter, on October 30th. I will be there with Galahad, and posibly another steamer, but I'm unsure yet.

More updates coming (useless giving timescale)
August 14th 2004.

A short post to say Happy New Year to you all!!
The new loco, Sir Galahad, has been delivered, and has proved its worth over hte last few months. So much so that it has been rewarded with a whistle from PPS. Loco no. 6 Tintagel is under construction - more info when I have time to add it! More stock has been purchased for Galahad to pull - more coaches are being constructed to allow two train running when (and if) the extension is ready by the summer. A new brake coach is required to take the strain off 101.
Many shows this year - a calendar page will be duly added soon along with a full news bulletin, and mor pictures of the railway should also appear once I get the films developed and the digital camera fixed!
Sir Tor is back after spending the inter being re-painted to maroon by Lightline. Charlie Smith has also modified the meths tank to prevent cab fires. She is now back in service here on the GHLR.

Bye for now.
Jan 28th 2005