Our double slip is nearing completion, a key structure connecting the mainline and loop with the rail vehicle shed and future storage sidings. Over summer 11/12 we have reworked both slip frogs, installed sleepers and crossing plates. Closer rails have been selected, straightened, cut and drilled to couple the shortened slip frogs to the standard frogs each end of the structure. Quite an involved task, but we're making steady progress.
Work remaining to be done includes:
- Crow set into outer slip rails, cut and drill to length
- Fit remaining switches
- Fasten stock and slip rails to sleepers
- Fabricate a number of special plates
- Cut and drill running rails, installing checkrails opposite outer frogs
- Fasten running rails, checkrails and frogs to sleepers
- Couple double slip to existing mainline track
- Install M5 motor points — which can be used manually in the interim.
Colin and John drilling closer rails for the double-slip. Four rails were selected, straightened, cut and both heel bolt holes and fishbolt holes drilled. 21 January 2012. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
Colin crowing outer slip rails to required curvature through portion adjacent to slip frogs on 17 March 2012. Photo: Hugh McCracken.