Been experimenting for some time with various designs for train detection. Given all our track is welded and we have dual guage, normal track circuits are not possible.

After talking through my latest design a couple of weeks ago, and lamenting the complexity of manufacture & installation - Bill had a brainwave and together with Peter and I - we soon came up with a vertical drill hole design that is both simple and quick to install shown here. we have installed one on a raised rail section for monitoring over the next couple of months to see how it copes with the weather and have a couple of potential modifications if rust in the hole becomes a problem.

The Jig Bill made for accurately locating the holes

Shows stepped holes and detectors - brass screws in plastic tube with a rubber washer and tail cable that goes right through the rail

Completed test detector. Screws are adjustable, and sit slightly proud of the rail. The rubber washer allows them to retract under each wheel

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Sunday 14th April - we had a full compliment of crew with Georges return from the Sth Island. Got stuck into getting Air and Water services down to the signalbox, and while the trench was open we took the opportunity to lay signal cables around the turntable leads area. Rod started work in the shed on the new Double Slip for the Signalbox area.

Rod working on the dual gauge double slip. Working out how it works makes your head spin!

Most of the team spent the day installing air, water and signal cables around the turntable area

Bill does the digging for an air line while James supervises. George and Peter work on signal cabling.

James temporarily labeling signal cables. Hope he's got it right!

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Winter Creek junction was built summer 2010 in the push toward finishing the mainline. It will be a focus point on the mainline as trains gather strength before tackling the heavy grade to the summit - where the Hillside branch joins the main.

Darryl using the trusty Gravely to level trackbed roughed in by Chris with the digger

This will be a busy place where trains rest before tackling the heavy grade.

This photo was taken from the deck of Bridge one.

Steve welding in the junction's pointwork

Pointwork took some time to construct

From the south looking toward bridge six (on the right) and big cutting (to the left of Peter)

Drivers eye view entering the junction

Bridge six is visible but we are taking the left fork through the cutting

Tags: Winter Creek Junction

Here is a series of photos showing construction methods for the tunnel. It was built by myself in 2005 for the original 7.25" only line, and marks the spot where the new dual guage line meets the original alignment through the tunnel, around horseshoe curve known as South Bend and across bridge 4.

Digging the Tunnel March 2005

Getting the grade right was tricky - on a curve down 1 in 40

Frames are installed Christmas 2005. 100mm square timber 1m x 1.5m square frames with the top and bottom plates rebated to help hold the side pressures.

Box built. Portals to come.

Railhead advances toward the tunnel

Five inch guage makes it to the tunnel

Steve and son Owen extending 5 inch into the tunnel

Peter and Steve try out the newly laid track

Tags: Tunnel

Many of you may know I work for Invensys Rail, (A.K.A. Westinghouse Rail Systems), busy with the Auckland Met Resignalling project.

One of my collegues - Noel, (boss actually!) kindly offered to draw up a signalling plan for the Winter Creek. Here is the first draft. It is done to simplified version of what we use for the real railway, and adds a touch of authentism to the Winter Creek methinks!

If you compare this to the track plan page, you can get a better idea of where everything is located, and what future expansion might look like.

Noel is busy learning to weld by building a signal gantry to be installed near the signal box.

WCR_HandSketch - Version0A 15-Aug-2010.pdf (85.21 kb)

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A few shots of South Bend - the horseshoe on an embankment between the tunnel and bridge four. This was the original railhead before I decided to relay in dual guage.

 

Easing a load of track panels down the 1 in 40 and through the tunnel Sept 2009.

Chris does some last minute leveling while Steve lays out track on the embankment at South Bend. (Sept 2009)

Steve and Peter welding at South Bend on a warm October day in 2009

South Bend from further down towards the future Winter Creek Junction in October 2009. Bridge four in the middle of the picture

Tags: South Bend