Short Term Objectives Update It has been decided to concentrate efforts towards having a Brake Van Ride service up and running at the earliest opportunity. A system of priorities has been adopted by the Railway to achieve this end. Members can review the updated project plan within the Members Area.

December

(TEDS)

Very topical this year Kent and Sussex experienced pre-Christmas snow. Although not as heavy as that in the North Downs and High Weald conditions were treacherous due to icing, but volunteers still turned out.

(TEDS)

(TEDS)

Preparing the Hopper wagon for ballasting at end towards No1 bridge, projected to tack place in late Jan/Feb 2010.

Ballast arrived in Nov and stored at Oak Tree Sidings.

November

(RD)

North of Quarry Farm looking West to Udiam. Much of you area had been inundated with persistent rain. Culverts check for blockages, but no damage apparent.

A rare sight since KESR stock moved off.

Much of this area will be cleared in the January call for volunteers.

Below - KESR Crew in 03 shifting stock out from Bodiam West end of the RVR

    
   (Below - KESR’s 03 together with Ballast Train

(RD)

((RD)

(TEDS)

Above - Shunting stock to assist in loco renovation

Below - Vacuum tank being fittted to the three plank on the platform road (project under Geoff Wyatt)

Below - Tank Chassis placed in “Far Road” after Stock shunt (project under Helen Brett)

(SG)

(TEDS)

(SG)

Although not an RVR event the Robertsbridge Bonfire is something the Railway supports to be fully active within the village community. Every year supporters turn out to man the buffet selling teas hot-dogs and and other refreshments to the revelers. This year was a very wet one, and it took hardened supporters to follow the full parade! >v

(SG)

(SG)

         (SG)

Afixing the original plate to Dougal

Thought to have been named “Mr Useful” during its earlier life

October

Further Developments at Bodiam West

More details in the Members area

     (TEDS Video)

“Titan” being run up for the first time in many years. A new volunteer was able to bring mechanical skills which is proving to be a valuable asset.  (The picture to the left links to a video - Just Click)

 

Below left more work on the Brake van (in readiness for the brake van service)

Below right Further work on the Three Plank Wagon

   (TEDS)

    (TEDS)

Following the closure of the buffet for refurbishmment in September we are now back open for business and welcoming all.

To mark the reopening the regular Volunteers were treated to a slap up Sunday roast lunch.

Regular volunteers to Robertsbridge will have read the attached notice. More distant members are suggested to read this in the members area regarding the next development phase.

Appeal for Ballast!!!

As we push again towards getting a brake van ride up and running we have a need for a further 100 tonnes of ballast to prepare the next section of track leading out of Robertsbridge station. Although we have a received a significant sum from a current member we do ask again that our Membership look to help us with funding this again. And if you are able to do so via Gift Aid we will benefit again from the tax advantage. The ballast is already booked and on the way in. The funds less so.

And those members who are most actively pushing for progress we look forward to seeing your financial support.

September

The BLCY completed on the West side (Car Park facing) and ready to be moved back into the bay siding. A great effort by those volunteers leading on this sub-project.->

Below D77 (Dougal) leading the Well B/Lowmac with Sleepers for extending the track at the Robertsbridge end. Below right with track volunteer crew.

         TEDS

 TEDS

       TEDS Video

   (SG) Sept 09

Platform Ramp near completion (Left )

PW Trolley nears completion following the collapse late last month. A quick turn around by active volunteers (below)

(SG) Sep 09

  (SG) Sep 09

At Bodiam West the new section of track has now been fully fenced and gated.

. (MY) Sep 09

We have been starting every half year with a short summary of the objectives expected for the next six months. This has always been prepared by words from our Operations Manager who is also the Chairman of the Supporters Association. We regret to inform that David Rimmer is currently severely ill and not in a position to consider this aspect. In the meantime our effort is towards completing some of the more obvious and simple tasks. It only remains to wish David well and hope for a speedy recovery. He is a proven fighter.

Hoppers Weekend RVR Representation 12-13 September

We were very warmly received and hosted at Bodiam by KESR for their annual Hop Pickers (or Hoppers) weekend. As usual the arrangements polished and considered. If you have not attended until now this is a unique experience and you should seriously think of attending once in your lifetime especially whilst so many of the original 1940’s and 50’s hoppers originally and mostly from central London pass through and enrich the experience.

Part of the RVR stand team. This year we focussed upon the Bodiam Westward extension as being the most visible and media worthy news, plus the usual call for members and volunteers.

For those of you who visited the stand and showed an interest and passed your time with us we thank you. And a further thanks for those of you who wanted to donate. We received so many signals and encouraging comments by those who wish to see the line reinstated. It makes the effort ever more motivational.

 TEDS

The KESR static displays set the mood, both for the Heritage Railway and nostalgia for the hop pickers themselves many of who could trace back personal reminiscences and photographs to that halcyon bygone age.

Early September RVR Main aspects

New doors fitted. Top coat of BLCY has now been completed the attention moves to the roof and interior.

During operation a fault was encountered with the Permaquip “tug”, trolley. It was decided to dismantle and make good damages, by welding and refitting.

Taking the opportunity the axle hub was refitted.

At the other end of Robertsbridge the area between No1 and No 2 bridge has been cleared of overgrowth. 

The privately owned BTK coach undergoing significant overhauling. Much of the exterior is being renovated.

August

New Doors being fitted to the BLCY as this unit comes up to a more appropriate condition prior to be purchased by the Supporters Association. An appeal will be started in the Autumn for the purpose.

We are informed by the owners that the canvassed covered roof will similarly be made tight.

Volunteers of the RVR kiting up for a day of restoring the railway.

Health and Safety has always been important for protecting our volunteers, but with the increasing legal obligation the Railway Management has been placing more time and resource to this vital aspect. We aim to get it right first time. After all a death and permanent maiming doesn’t allow a second chance!

The Hastings Tramway Group

We are pleased to host the Hastings Tramway group at Robertsbridge, but not much is said about them here. Please allow this small diversion to show what these guys are up to.

As with the Railway the Tram Group are getting ready to offer a public display.

The Group were able to locate two original Tram bodies, which were incorporporated into a garden building. Fortunately one of these is in particularly good condition with many original features still intact. It is intended for the long term that these carriages will be returned to an original condition albeit in a static display.

Particularly fine are the moldings around the doors and many of the glass windows are original. These photographs do not do this justice and a visit to Robertsbridge is recommended.

July

More preparatory for the BLCY. The original doors were widened in the war years for use as a mobile hospital and after ‘48 for permanent way. The prior owner had decided to return the doors to their original size. Unfortunately the original rivets from prewar years remained and had to be blown out before new fittings could be readied. A steady hand and no little skill required considering the wooden bearers behind. The previous owner had included the new doors in the sale.

At another part of the Robertsbridge site the 5 plank wagon continues its renovation. In July the rust had been treated, those parts that so needed were replaced and/or welded and all parts primed.

The next phase of this renovation is to secure the decking and walls

Photo contributions in alphabetical order

(RD) - Robin Dyce
(SG) - Steve Griffiths
(TEDS)-Trevor Streeter (and most unaccredited 2006-9
(MY) - Mark Yonge