Pieces and Bits

 Progress towards connecting up the rodding run comes on in leaps and setbacks. A lot of time was spent on the design side, and various drawings done. As has previously been reported, there have been times when we've had to make subtle alterations! 

The Bench in question. Not all the cranks are in the correct position here...


In this instance, we have a bench that sits between the two running lines (Eden Valley and Tebay), and takes cranks for No.8 points, No.9 Facing Point Lock as well as levers 1 and 2 from the Bridge ground frame, giving access to the turntable road. This is very compact, and had to be altered as the space for the bench was not quite enough to locate the cranks as planned.

The proximity between, and likelihood of an interference fit, can be seen here, with the cranks and connections. A tall base stands ready!

To overcome tight clearances between two of the cranks, we swapped out a low crank base for a high one. This prevents any clash between the two cranks, but will need a customised connection making, to take the rod underneath the track, and back towards the box...

The bench now has everything it needs, and awaits connecting up.


Each set of points needs a barrel adjuster, close to, or at, the final drive. This allows the exact position of the blades to be adjusted, relative to the lever in the signal box or on the ground frame. These adjusters contain left-and right-handed threaded portions, so that when the barrel is turned in the middle, it can contract the length of the rodding or extend it, to push the blades one way or the other. We have previously cleaned up several of these, and we took the opportunity to look at clearances and where to drive each set of points.




The main focus was to investigate how to drive No.7 points, which lie immediately outside the box. In fact, they line up perfectly with lever 7, which makes any adjustment almost impossible* . What we have done to get round it is to send the rodding away from the box, cross it over, underneath the track, and bring it back along the other side to drive the points. There are various prototypes for this arrangement, including one at my place of work!

(* yes, it CAN be done, but requires very awkward working conditions. We opted for the arrangement that makes maintenance easier!)

The rough reckoning for the rodding run. The rollers will be fastened to the turnout timbers, using brackets and through bolts. This will keep it tighter to the turnout and hopefully look neater. The fact that it saves the Moles from having to dig another 4 holes is completely coincidental!!!




Location: Stainmore Railway Company, South Rd, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4LA, UK

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