PROGRESS WITH TRACK WORK AT HERSTON HALT
6th January 2010

Photo Report from Frank E. Roberts - dated 6th January 2010
Photographs are copyright Frank E. Roberts.
To view a larger version of any photograph on this page, just click on the thumbnail photograph and subsequently use the Back button on your browser to return to this page.

The Permanent Way Team remove the track at Herston on 5th January 2010 in preparation for relaying the track between Victoria Avenue Road Bridge and Herston Halt as part of the Swanage Railway's Winter projects.

Photo Report from Frank E Roberts

Frank Roberts has supplied several photos of the work over the past few days at Herston Halt, and says, "I really commend the Permanent Way Team, who have totally launched into the site during the first two days of scheduled work during the annual shutdown period. A fantastic effort!"

The Swanage Railway has embarked on a winter track re-laying project this winter, working through to early February. The work is centred on the section between Victoria Avenue Road Bridge and Herston Halt.

Swanage Railway General Manager Mick Dean has confirmed that the Swanage Railway has asked Arthur Yarney, the former recently retired local Network Rail Engineer, to come in and oversee and project manage this particular job. Arthur will be assisted by Barry Light from the Swanage Railway to support the existing Permanent Way Team plus recruit additional volunteers to undertake this winter's programme.

The trackbed at Herston Halt following clearance by the Permanent Way Team

Physical work on dismantling track commenced on Tuesday 5th January, with planned completion for Friday 5th February to ensure there is time to complete any shunting and train preparation needed for the start of public train running on the 13th February.

At Herston, all of the track has now been removed in preparation for the renewal of track over the next six weeks. This is likely to be followed by the removal of spoil from the site adjacent to Herston Halt where the new 8 coach carriage shed will be built.

The cleared trackbed at Herston Halt

The Permanent Way Team plans to work seven days a week to get the maximum section relayed, and a mini hot refreshment train is planned to be available at the site.

If you are in Swanage and you would like to try your hand at track laying, pop down to the site and help out - the Permanent Way Team led by Barry Light is looking for volunteers! (As it is a construction site, hi-vis clothing, safety boots and hard hats are mandatory on site, so remember to bring with you your full safety equipment including hard hats, steel toed boots, gloves etc). Barry Light will be pleased to hear from you or contact Steve Barker by email to thebarkers3@ntlworld.com or by phone 023 80575014 or 07919401365

The cleared trackbed at Herston Halt

Frank Roberts adds: "We will finalise our own Team Herston plans shortly, with a major surge in work expected around the second weekend in March (midweek days too). I will confirm all of the working dates for 2010, so if you can help with our work please do get in touch with me."

Frank Roberts (second from left) celebrates New Year with some of Team Herston on 1st January 2010

The moon over the War Memorial at Swanage

* To download a full background document in pdf format explaining the background and history of Team Herston and Exercise Topham Hatt and the relationship between the Royal Signals and the Swanage Railway, please click here.