January marked the start of the 2025 campaign, and despite cold weather, grey skies and the occasional sub‑zero morning, the Railway launched into the new year with energy and purpose. The month opened with safety briefings, refresher tests and the first major engineering tasks of the season. Work began on three key projects: assembling the frame for shed 83D, re‑gauging a 2‑foot pointset, and installing the refurbished wagon turntable. Volunteers reorganised shed space, excavated the turntable pit, and used the JCB to move heavy components into position – no time to stand around and get cold!
Progress on the turntable continued throughout the month. The base was excavated, levelled and compacted, the baseplate lifted into place, and the spider assembly cleaned, lubricated and refitted. By mid‑January the turntable rails were aligned perfectly, the centre pin greased, and the top turned over for treatment. Later in the month, the pit wall was built, the deck rails were welded and adjusted, and the exit track was cut, spread to gauge and installed. The first wagon was even run onto the new track to confirm alignment.
January also saw significant work on rolling stock. The Bishopton brakevan chassis advanced steadily, with new hornblocks fabricated and fitted. The Burning Wagon entered refurbishment, with damaged components removed, repaired and cleaned. The road/rail transporter unit gained new framing, metalwork and paint. Meanwhile, the Wickham trolley project progressed as axles were machined off‑site, wheels welded and mounting positions finalised. The motorised trolley project continued in the background with regular workshop sessions.
Track maintenance featured prominently. Volunteers levelled and packed the line from Gnome Hill to Sluice Bend Junction, inspected the route, and prepared the re‑gauged pointset for rebuilding. By the end of the month, the point blades, tiebar and fishplates had been removed, sleepers positioned and the first stages of reassembly underway.
January also marked the return of passenger operations. The first train of the year carried a visiting group from the USA, followed by school parties and several training days for crews. These sessions included driving practice, guard training, coupling instruction and safety refreshers. A highlight was the informal locomotive line‑up and “whistle up” to celebrate the start of the Rail 200 year described by those there simply as “Noisy but satisfying!”
Other tasks included clearing debris, moving stored wagons and track, repairing workshop equipment, servicing the generator, and tidying the yard. Even a minor JCB fault and a slippery day on the rails didn’t slow progress for long.
By the end of January, the Railway had achieved an impressive amount: the turntable nearing completion, major engineering projects underway, rolling stock refurbishment progressing, and crews fully engaged in training. It was a month defined by teamwork, determination and a strong start to the year’s ambitions.
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