Ropley Downside Board
Following our efforts to complete the extended pathways around Alresford station we have managed to return to some jobs that have been left on hold for a while. The replacement running-in boards for Ropley station have now had the wooden letters fixed in the workshop (by someone we could trust to spell!) and the edges sealed and varnished to protect them for extended lifespan.
When everything had dried and set, the boards were transported by truck to Ropley and a small, but talented team, took down the old boards and erected a new one on the cast iron stanchion posts. If the new boards don’t look much different to the old ones that is the intention, but they are sound and waterproof and will last for many a year.
The barrier frames from the footpath leading from the waiting shelter to the picnic area at Ropley were removed back to the workshop at Medstead and a crowd barrier temporarily put in place to maintain the safety element. This was to enable the new insert panels to be inserted and the frames painted to match the new barriers at the footbridge path. The barriers were replaced in the original metal shoes and with new signage they now match the Southern Railway colour scheme of the station.
At Alresford the lengthy spell of dry weather enabled the final batch of non-slip material to be applied to the extended walkway on the down side of the train-care yard area. Apart from being an addition for safe access the new walkway extends the station westwards in a much more attractive appearance. To improve the station scene in this area further our colleagues in the station ASSET team are starting repainting the engineering Traincare containers that were installed during the track re-allignment and the first one is now completed.
Some 12 years or so ago the ground frame hut that had served as a signal box at Ropley when the railway was being first operated as a heritage line was partially renovated and placed as a crossing keepers hut at Blakes Crossing at the station. Over the years the weather has taken its toll and some repairs to the structure are now required to extend the life of this original London and South Western Railway building.
Some of the external cladding was removed which disclosed some rot to the frame and beams due to water ingress. Wood from stock and some newly purchased will be used for the repairs with some preparation being undertaken in the workshop and then taken to site. Work on this task will continue for some weeks to complete the repairs required, interspersed with some other jobs, and should provide better protection to the structure than before.
Bob Brooks – Buildings Department
