More Mole Activities

As the weather permits, the Moles have been busy digging for victory... but it feels as though we're going round in circles. We dig a hole, plonk a lump of concrete in it, and fill it back in again!


Rest assured, the work does have a purpose: this is the installation of the concrete bench legs for the rodding run. If we can get them all in before the weather turns, we won't be drowned Moles!! We can then tackle fitting the tops later on, in the knowledge that the hardest, physical work has been completed.


The ground varies significantly from hole to hole, but we have managed 2 concrete legs a day, combined with other tasks on site. These photos are from the last two days on site, and this section of the rodding run sits between the Tebay and Eden Valley lines. We didn't want to tackle this part of the run any earlier, given the focus on getting the box looking complete internally (more work will take place on days when the weather leaves something to be desired!!).


Our digging takes us through the surface layer of ballast and quarry bottom, through any rubble and into the ash layer (which also contains slight, clinker and allsorts), before breaking through into the original, undisturbed ground below. Every layer contains "big stuff", "awkward stuff" and nothing goes as smoothly as we'd have hoped. But we're getting there!


We have 3 more sets of bench legs to install for the signal box-controlled run, and a further set for the ground frame. 4 days' work could see all the legs in place... THAT feels like progress!


Our Moles always have more digging on the horizon, as well as other jobs. If you fancy joining us in recreating some Central Division signalling, as well as all sorts of other elements, do get in touch! 

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