First 2 Signals Completed

The Signal and Telegraph department have completed the first 2 signals for the Wardrobe Railway.  It is hoped that these signals will soon installed in their final positions.

Loco No. 3 Test Run

Whilst still far from complete, loco No. 3 (to be called 'Hannah') did leave the works over the last weekend for running in trials.  No major issues were observed and the locomotive has now returned to the works for completion.

Construction of Locomotive No. 3 Commenced

The Wardrobe Railway locomotive works has started construction of locomotive No. 3 which is to be called 'Hannah'.  Based on a Hudswell Clarke design the locomotive is of a similar size and power to No. 2 but under increasing pressure from the train drivers union, the Board have agreed to provide a covered cab on No. 3.  Crews have been complaining of getting 'wet and cold' when manning No. 2.

Some photographs of construction are included here.

Signal and Telegraph Department formed

The Signal and Telegraph department are responsible for the signalling and communication systems on the Wardrobe Railway.  Since their recent formation they have undertaken the following work:

1. Installation of point motors
2. Electrical wiring to tracks
3. Installation of first signal
4. Interlocking of points and signal

Various photos from this work can be found below.

Wiring in the 'Signal Box'

Point motor installed and wired

Signal control mechanism

The first signal installed

Signal box diagram

More Rolling Stock Enters Service

The Carriage and Wagon works of the Wardrobe Railway have out-shopped several new vehicles for use on the Wardrobe Railway.  They are shown on the following photographs.

Coach No 1 - 3rd class seating only

Coach No 2 - Brake Van / Luggage Van

Wagon No 3 - Guards Van

Wagon No 4 - Closed Van

Wagon No 5 - Open bogie wagon

Camera Train

The board of the Wardrobe Railway has invested in the latest technology to help with the training of the drivers.  The 'Camera Train' utilizes the latest advances in electronics to enable 'driver's eye views' to be recorded for later playback in the training room.

The 'Camera Train' ready to leave the station

The suppliers have informed the WR board that Blu-tak is not a 'bodge' but really is the best engineering solution to holding the camera lens at the correct angle.

And now you too can enjoy a journey along the Wardrobe Railway fro the driver's view.

Electricity Supply Connected

Following several months of inactivity progress has once again started on the Wardrobe Railway.  The local electricity company subcontracted the connection of mains electricity to Sparkes Bros. Electrical Contractors.  Power was finally connected on Sunday evening.

Electricity sub-station prior to installation

Sun-station installed

First electrical connections to the sub-station completed

Further Running Trials

During the running in trials of locomotive No. 2 the opportunity was taken to pose No. 2 next to the railway's other locomotive, which was at the station on a works train.

Goods Shed Construction Completed

The buildings and services department have completed construction of the the goods shed for the still, as yet, unnamed station.  The building was immediately put into use with a delivery of sprouts from Four Winds Farm.

Locomotive Number 2 Undergoes Running-in Trials

Locomotive number 2 has been outshopped in works grey livery to allow running-in trials to be completed.  After some initial issues with sticking pistons were resolved, several trips along the WR have been completed successfully.  Some minor work is required to complete No 2 before she goes to the paint shop for her final livery application.

It is reported that the locomotive will be named 'Sarah' after the wife of the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Wardrobe Railway.

Station Building Completed

Progress has been slow on the Wardrobe Railway over recent months due to the main contractors being occupied on other projects away from the railway.  However, the construction of the station building for the, as yet unnamed, station has been completed.

In the following photo we see a works train waiting in front of the new building.