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Annual Fishplate Oiling Bash

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend a gang of volunteers and staff took part in the annual fishplate oiling bash. The weather was kind and turnout good so excellent progress was made over the four days. We started at the 1.5 milepost on Cynfal Bank and finished at the bottom end points at Brynglas loop, a dozen or so lengths past the 3 milepost. We oil the fishplates regularly to enable the rails to expand and contract without distortion. The oil also prevents corrosion of the bolts, fishplates and rail ends.

The task entails the removal of the nuts, bolts wire brushing the fishplates and rail ends before the oil is applied and finally the plates refitting.

The oil is very thick when cold so it needs to be heated first before it can be applied.

Depending on rail lengths we undid and refastened between 1760 and 2112 nuts and bolts. 

The Gang relax after all their hard work!

Thanks to everyone who help in any way over the four days.

Thanks to Keith Theobald for the article and photos.

Posted by karenhigginson at Thursday, September 6, 2007 5:13:07 PM GMT.
Category: Engineering