Well it is the middle of August and almost as if Autumn has landed somewhat early. After all the hot weather this year - and the COVID pandemic ongoing, as soon as 'summer holidays' are mentioned the weather turns from very, very good to - poor! Ah well, the trials and tribulations of a the British weather!
On the plus side the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh recently re opened - but without the 'big' trains running due to Covid and at the moment there are no signs of that changing much before Christmas.
However the garden railway was given the go ahead, with restrictions of a maximum of 6 persons on site at any one time, so Sheila and I took advantage of that and spent a recent Sunday running three units there.
Back here at home the BLL has looked splendid in amongst the flowers and I took advantage of that to 'update' a travellers view when 'Dennis' took my new Lumix camera around the track. The result of that can be seen on our YouTube Channel HERE.
Since my last post 'Ford' has been run both on the BLL and also at Buckfastleigh - complete with sound effects which may have amused members of the public but no so the SDGRG Members I suspect! I even achieved some towing trials and 'she' successfully towed the other fire vehicles - still running on the original two batteries. The batteries were changed yesterday after a very slow tour of the BLL but I reckon she completed 2.5 hours which equates roughly to 2.1 miles - on those two small batteries! Very pleased.
I had problems getting the blue flashing light to work (can be seen on top of the cab) as my electrical skills are non existent. Eventually I had to resort to providing a second power pack, of two further AA batteries, to act as an independent 'blue light' supply - it works - but best seen in the dark!!!
Back at home work has commenced on the new BLL siding although the weather variances have somewhat precluded finishing it off but hopefully I can get the new baseboard covered and in place during the next spell of fine weather. It will then be a case of 'ripping up' (very gently) about 2 metres of existing track and relaying along with a new siding - yet to be formally given a name!
Discussions are currently taking place with the 'management team' as to how we can make 'the fence' more attractive and in keeping with that end of the railway. My ideas seem to be less than 'appreciated' currently!!! Also since the pea harvest the ground requires digging over ready in preperation for Spring vegetable plants!
Watch this space on siding construction and yes, the appropriate local planning applications have been totally overlooked - but vegetable plants ARE on order!
Stay Safe - and don't become Covid Complacent!
Check out our YouTube channel for more!!!
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