December

It is sometimes easy to forget that the RVR already has track at the Eastern end of route joining to the KESR Heritage railway. In Sept 2004 images were shown of the recently regraded trackbed.

Looking East towards Bodiam. The end of the RVR track is barely visible in the far distance, centre of picture, in which delapidated stock is parked. The bed of the track arcs from centre to bottom left and travels under the temporary stable in the near ground. Looking the other way West towards Robertsbridge (unseen of course being over 2.5 hence) the former trackbed runs under the rollers in the foreground and farm trailer along the line of the trees to the middle far ground.

Stock Several sub projects come to completion in this month. The Drewry D77 = Dougal, external paintwork is completed. Other Stock items remain underway with the SR Brake Van constantly worked upon. One of the Tank vehicles is also regularly receiving volunteers attentions. Testing and refining instruments on D77. Permanent Way The mini project of the bridging No 1 bridge has been completed permitting tools and equipment to more readily access the area between No.1 and No 2 bridges. The Gate newly mounted has been made more substantial to deter trespassers, but wide enough for eventual stock access.   Driving in and afixing the last post Inspecting the area between No1 and No 2 bridge in readiness for the eternal trackbed clearance. Fences in the area, whilst good are being reconsidered to deter tresspassers. Another perennial duty. Tarp cleaning to spruce up the site. Pictured is an LNER. van. This has just been bought by the proceeds of the Prize Draw for the benefit of the RVR Supporter Association. For the SA, this is the first owned. It is intended that the van will be restored to original condition and upon completion will be used for the benefit of the railway by storing and moving simple P-Way materials and for Volunteer comforts whilst working down-the-line. It is hoped that those who have supported the Prize Draw are rewarded to see the fruits of their effort and support in such a tangible way. It is expected that works will commence in early 2009, by a number of active volunteers, on days when the main thrust of having an service and up and running cannot be done. We are in project planning, and ordering of timer phase at present.

November

Platform Second casting of the platform coping underway. Whilst the weather remains warmer, although wet casting at this time of year can continue.     Permanent Way The footbridge over No1 bridge has now been fully platformed. The handrails are now being prepared which upon completion will allow us access to all areas beyond No 1 bridge, currently only accessable from Northbridge street. New Gates to the East of No 1 have being erected, being more staunch and strong then the previous. Stock “Dougal” D77 having been fully body painted in original RVR livery of blue and white is having the final touches to hand rails. Brake Van - Outside repainting with a second coat is almost  complete

October

Taking advantage of the good weather the month is all about tidying up some of the earlier projects

Station Area The roof of the Colonel Stephens buffet has now been refurbished, by painting and reproofing by an active volunteer.   Platform Mo and Geoff preparing the steps behind the platform ramp.
Preparing the first platform coping slabs -->   Stock The D77 “Dougal” Drewry Loco has been repainted in the original RVR livery of blue and white and looking handsome. The Brake Van works continue. It is expected that the method for fitting of the vacuum brakes will be decided later within this month
Permanent Way Laying the first panel of the new footbridge over No. 1 bridge (Sept refers). It is likely that we will complete this objective on time and budget. The laying out of sleepers to extend the line to No. 1 bridge will commence after the footbridge platform is down. Repairs to the vandalised fence South and East of No. 2 has been completed.

September

To maintain the area between No.1 bridge and No 2 bridge a temporary footbridge is to be constructed. In this way we can fulfill our obligation to maintain the integrity of the fences, and land clearance will follow. It is hoped this footbridge project will be completed within October. In the meantime funds from the Ore effort (2008 1st half) will go towards ballast as the line pushes on towards No. 1 bridge.             The Annual Hop Pickers Weekend was hosted by the KESR at their Bodiam station site, where the RVR was pleased to participate. This year was special since it had been 50 years since the last hop pickers special had called in 1958!. The event was bustling with activity with every train packed. Even the English weather showed very favorable to the festive mood. Our thanks to KESR for the arrangement and effort. ((coverage by the Rye and Battle Observer)) Although we highlight the Hop Pickers Weekend it should be reminded that the RVR SA attends many events in the locality  through out the course of the year, manned by stalwarts.   Back to RVR. We would like to inform that the Buffet and Station shop have extended the days of opening to Saturdays as well as Sundays and Bank Holidays from 9 to 5, or dusk if earlier. A new and extended range of of fare is offered customers Joe and Ann (shown right) are waiting to welcome you.

 

August

Thanks to generous donations by a member and a supporter, we have been able  to place a contract for the replacement of  the rotted and time expired  discharge chutes and doors on our ex-LNER Ballast Hopper wagon. The new steel has been ordered and delivered and this is currently being shaped and fabricated  by the contractor. It is hoped that these can be welded and fitted soon following which the wagon should once again be operational.

Platform Reminding that in the short term objectives, the platform is taking priority. The end wall is being finished to take account of the ramp at the prescribed gradient of 1:20. As you can see all rails are being fitted, and requiring only painting at this end.       To make the platform coping edging a mold was to be constructed. Seen hanging here from the cranes wires, prior to the first cast. Trackwork The points leading into the eventual new sidings have been realigned and straightened. The area beyond is scheduled to be infilled and the fence correctly aligned alongside Network rail.   To the east of the station site a bank had started to become unstable. Using old substandard for track concrete sleepers on old rail these have been used for retaining. After placement we will attempt to grow ivy and creepers over the concrete to improve the stark visual impression.

July

Weeks 3-4

Track

The burnt out Maunsell coach 5600 of infamous renown has been removed. This leaves the way clear to relay the track to No.1 bridge. The trackbed having been reballasted (mentioned in June update), and only to be leveled

Plant

The replacement engine for the tractor has been thoroughly tested and found to to  be in good condition so Gemma and Helen our intrepid tractor drivers can shortly  look forward to going home without soot blackened and oil spattered faces.

Platform

The retaining wall for the wheelchair ramp had been completed by contractors. The Retaining fence is now proceeding down the slope. A new gate has been installed at the site end of the platform to delineate public and restricted (site working) areas

Weeks 1-2

The start of the Summer is a repetition of last in that East Europe is sweltering under the blazing Sun and Western Europe under a great deal of rain and a little wind.

"The complete length of track together with the ground around the station site has been comprehensively sprayed with weedkiller, and the weeds are consequently wilting and dying at a great rate. This has enormously improved the appearance of the railway, as well as helping health & safety. Our gratitude and  sincere thanks for this work go to John Talbot and the Highway Care Group, and  to Helen Brett for driving Jerry M, the tug."

 

The work schedule for the coming weeks:

Track Having been ballasted, concrete sleepers to be laid out from No.1 Bridge to the proposed new allignment of the running line. Gemma will continue to champion this project and looking for one responsible regular assistant. This is expected to be finished before the end of July. From end July rail re-laying will commence to No.1 Bridge.   Platform New coping slabs to be cast on site. In the meantime Geoff will continue to finish the brickwork. Back wall first then front wall corbeling, then the Ramp Wall Clear current slabs from platform to assigned storage. Instructions have been passed for the preparation of the casting mould. Vehicles Helen will continue the upgrade and renovation of the Brake van in preparation for assuming brake van rides. No Deadline. Plant - Tractor The tractor to made available to Gemma as the priority of trackwork dictates, but where circumstances permit the right hand brake unit can be overhauled.