Inside train room

Braving the cold

Braving the cold

Braving the cold

          Having had two cups of hot tea (Plus two Toasts) while plucking up the courage to make a start, I finally made it outside. We all met by the old rail truck, had a quick discussion as to what we were about to do, and then clambered aboard shuffling for the best and warmest spot to sit. Following a sharp blast of the whistle our little band moved off.

          We left Cobblers Creek heading down the branch line leading to the new freight yards and station being constructed at Barrowbridge. The first part of our journey was uneventful but then trouble could be seen up ahead.

          The old rail truck slowed and then came to a stop just short of the timber trestle that has been built to carry the track over the deep gorge at the base of Owls Nest Mountain.  We all quickly alighted to examine the damaged track that had been seen from the cab.

          A closer inspection showed a dislodged rail fish plate. Had this not been noticed a nasty derailment could have taken place.  This was dealt with very quickly and efficiently by the track gang. Whilst all this was going on it was all recorded in the survey report, and then it was decided that a good day had been had so returned to Cobblers Creek.

Finally made a Start

Finally made a Start

At has taken a long time to pluck up courage to move outside. Following a long search for a suitable heavy  coat, hat and of course some gloves I eventually ventured outside. Just to prove to you all that I did indeed venture out, one of the office staff accompanying me took this photo of the preparations being made on Cobblers Creek Station, where my office happens to be. As can be seen the Maintenance of Way  truck complete with its accompanying  trailer is indeed standing ready, I myself, precariously standing at the back, am not sure if we have not left it a little late today to start out down the track. Maybe tomorrow would be better.  I think another hot tea is called for.

First Day Back

First Day Back

            Well, here we are on the first day of my new job. According to my job description I should start and undertake a survey of the railway. The weather at this precise time is bitterly cold, but dry.  I am thinking that I should wait at least another hour before setting forth out into what looks like being at miserably cold day.

            What is immediately called for is another cup of hot tea, which I am certain, will ease me into the work mode. The request just put through to the catering department has unfortunately met with, Get your own. So a brief absence from the desk is called for, hope no one is looking.

            With hot steaming tea sitting on the end of my desk I feel that perhaps I can make a start. At least I could sit here and read up on what has been achieved on the GVR so far, and perhaps come up with a plan of action as to how and where to start on this dammed survey. I mean this document that will put into perspective all the work done so far and the reason why more expenditure is required to be released by the company’s financial department to move the project on somewhat this coming winter period.