Fishplate Oiling 28th - 31st August 2009

Fishplate Oiling in the rain...

The section between Brynglas West loop point and the up whistleboard for Dolgoch was completed (approximately 9,000ft) despite the weather at times and limited gang size.

The gang work in teams, moving out of the way when the trains go past and hoping for regular 'drop offs' of tea, coffee and lunch!

The 'clean gang' use the impact wrench to strip all the nuts and bolts from the
designated joints and place them in the 2 foot, next the fishplates are
dislodged with a sledge hammer or a crow bar. This same gang can also usefully
thin down the number bolts in advance of work. Another gang cleans up the
fishing surfaces on the fishplates and rails if required.

The 'dirty gang' paints the fishplates and rail ends, while others dip the bolts. A further gang fit the plates and check that all the bolts and nuts are loosely assembled. Another gang
tightens everything up again with the other impact wrench. Others keep the pots
filled with the fishplate oil and move all the gear along so its to hand at all
times. Some gang members need to carry out a very vital task - looking after the
H&S of the gang by acting as lookouts and advising on train movements.

Keith would like to pass on his thanks to all concerned and he hopes to see you all and more next year!

All photos by Keith Theobald.

Loading all the gear onto two skateboards to take to site

Gang stand back as No 4 Peter Sam comes by

Preparing the fishplates and rail ends with wirebrushes

The "Black Hand Gang" await the completion of the wirebrushing.

Tightening up the fishplate bolts

Some of the Gang show off their oily hands

Rained off!! The Gang try to shelter by the lineside