
Winter maintenance work continues apace down at the AVLR. This weekend has seen lots of very varied activities taking place. Two of the steam locos have received boiler washouts in anticipation of the boiler cold exams. The tractor has been engaged in lineside vegetation management. The 8/12hp Motor Rail has seen further work in anticipation of its forthcoming engine transplant. This generated some reminiscing about the cab of this loco and the varied uses to which it was put in the Cheadle school days. Finally, a group was carrying out an experimental application of a new product “Interflon” on the track fishplates; if successful, it is hoped this will end the messy and horrible job of dismantling, greasing and re-assembling fishplates every few years.

