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2011
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June
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And so the work starts on Robertsbridge end of the route. Andrew Wood as contractor prepares to unload. ->
Work commences on dismantling the current track ready for heavy plant to work No.1 bridge -->>
Keys getting knocked out.
(More photos contained in the Photo Library Members Area)
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(AS)
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(SG)
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A statement from the Trust!
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ROTHERVALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST
Work Starts on the Robertsbridge - Northbridge Street Section
Work is now underway on the next stage of the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust project to extend the Kent & East Sussex Railway from its current terminus at Bodiam through to Robertsbridge mainline station.
The major civils work to rebuild this next section of line from the start of Robertsbridge Station up to the site of Northbridge Street level crossing includes the repair and reconstruction of five bridges. Led by Welsh Highland Railway Engineer Alasdair Stewart working with contractor Andrew Wood the project got underway on Monday 20th June.
Over the next few days work will start on the three bridges that will be demolished and replaced with new structures.
RVR plans to have that work finished toward the end of the year when the usual call to arms will go for help to get the new track down while our civil engineering team move on to start building the new Robertsbridge Junction Station.
Mike Hart ( abridged Version)
Full Version in Members Area
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(AS)
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<- Steve preparing to dekey the track.
And the immediate aftermath V
not showing much, but the new route
down to No 1 bridge for full works
(AS)
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(SG)
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May
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SAMREX
This years Supporters Association Model Railway Exhibition also included a demostration of shunting.
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(SG)
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(SG)
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(SG)
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A fine job has been carried out by Geoff on the GBLV, in readiness for Members facilities.
It is worth noting that the GBLV has been entirely funded by the members for the members out of the Prize Draw fund. A great big thank you to all of you who participate in this worthy cause!!!! You should feel proud.
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(SG)
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April
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The State of the Trackbed Walk 2011
The last time this was done was in 2008. It is surprising how much trackbed remains in excellent condition, especially that North of St Michaels after Tenterden.
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Mike and Liz amongst the hoards of walkers on the State of the Trackbed Walk 2011
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Austens Bridge, being Bridge Number 8 between Robertsbridge and Udiam
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Site of Salehurst Halt. The platform stood to the right of the picture. The area now being very peaceful and worth the walk down from the church at Salehurst.
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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Easter Track Working Weekend
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(JE)
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(JE)(video)
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(SG)
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At the Junction road end of the Railway between bridge 4 and 5 our storage hut known as Robertsbridge C has now been dismantled making way for works.
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(JE)
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(SG)
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<- Vehicles have started to take a higher priority as they are pressed into service. The Matissa is starting renovation as a separate project by the shop Manager.
And the Hopper Wagon starts its own sprucing up with-> a new lick of paint
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(SG)
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March
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(TEDS)
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Back at Robertsbridge other projects continued.
No 1 Bridge is being readied for the works for the Summer expansion.
At Robertsbridge a new campaign and appeal is being raised for the BP Tank. All those that feel they can help get in touch with yongem@rvr.org.uk.
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(SG)
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Junction Road Weekend
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The main event of the year featured the new RVR extension to Junction Road. Also featuring the Charwelton, which was handed over in a ceremony at Tenterden on the morning of the 19th March to RVR.
KESR Crews and expertise manned and operated the weekend for which our thanks are extended. Everything went off without a hitch.
More photos of the event are located in the Members area.
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 (DW)
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 (alt1985)(video)
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(GDS1953)(video) (although it is misstitled)
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Saturday and Sunday proved to be glorious for the event following the very grimy Friday.
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 (TEDS)(Fri 18th March)
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(SG)
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(ROL)
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And not forgetting the small army of volunteers who turned out on the day to make it all possible.
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(JW)
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(ROL)
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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Pre Junction Road Weekend
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<- Familiarisation trip for Crews roistered for the JRW.
Pete Salmon of K&ESR explaining the operational arrangments to crews.
More details within the Members area
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Buffer painting at Junction Road Completed.
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Tamper Crew from KESR Finishing off prior to 11JRW (Junction Road Weekend)
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Ensuring tight Keys
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(BE)
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(JE)
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(JE)
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February
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<- Getting Ready for the Junction Road weekend.
Volunteers preparing the track and ground woprk
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Trustees briefing the Volunteers as to the plans of 2011 and forward.
More will unfold in coming months.
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(SG)
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(SG)
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The month opens with the movement of the Mark I to the loading pad to depart for renovation, by Titan
The departure did not go without a hitch, and meant that she was laid up in the car park for most of the day.
Dougal pulling out the GBLV..... ->
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(SG)
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(SG)
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before returning to her new position against the steps.
Titan Returns from the Loading pad.
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(TEDS)
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RVR East - Track Clearance Day
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Junction Road area has been further tidied (prior to the day)
Including new hedging install by the land owner
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(TEDS)
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Below right the banks are grassing up nicely.
Below Centre. A volunteer helping to clear wood out of a drain
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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January
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The year opens with the tail end of the early 2010 snows and biting cold. 2011 promises to be an interesting year and may yet out perform the last two incredible years of developments, with further!
The first trains down the Bodiam extension at RVR East will take place in March this year and will be performed by our first steam train Charwelton. K&ESR will be operating the service due to their operating capability, but trackside viewing will be possible by contacting us at RVR. We regret to stress that there is no public access to the new RVR extension otherwise and we do kindly ask interested parties not to tresspass.
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<- Charwelton at K&ESR.
It is anticipated that there will be a formal handing over to RVR in March.
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At the Robertsbridge end, works have started here too with outside contractors preparing the way and performing bridge works. No 1 bridge as you know being more of a dam than a support in our progress.
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(left) Volunteers striping out the kitchen from the Mark 1 before that disappears off to renovations in February. All removals have been performed as sensitively to the old lady as possible
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The GBLV which was purchased 2 years ago and finalised last year after some very generous donations (the biggest wishing to remain anonymous) by the Supporters Association members. Due to the loss of the Mark 1 the SA have now decided to refit the kitchen into our owned vehicle which we hope will provide as more formal and professional kitchen arrangement in readiness for when we can source a seated coach to be able to serve the public.
Thanks SA efforts!
<- GBLV South end being insulated and readied for kitchen fitting
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<-Looking west from No 2 Bridge all vegetation has been removed and cut back to No 1 bridge. Works have been as sensitive to being ‘Green’ as possible.
Looking East towards Northbridge Street -> No2 bridge (built) is in the foreground with the gates at Northbridge Street just visible in the far distance.
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Photographic Contributors
(AS) = Alasdair Stewart
(BE) = Bob Evans
(JE) = Jack Evans
(SG) = Steve Griffiths
(ROL) = Richard O’Leary
(TEDS)= Trevor Streeter
(JW) = John Wickham
(DW) = Donald Wilson
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