Had a very interesting time yesterday. During a long chat with the Network Rail man in charge, he told me about a new crossover which was going to be walked from Brayford Wharf area, through the station to the location on the Sleaford line.

Some very interesting equipment was used. My wife came along in the evening and took video footage whilst I took stills.

Here are a few shots of the operation, the full story is on my Fotopic site

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

View of the site where the new crossover is to be installed, taken from the Pelham Road bridge.


Slinger wagons placing new concrete sleepers


Securing the gantries arter off-loading

Went back in the evening to Brayford, where the track panels were ready for jacking up to allow the dollies to be rolled underneath


The radio-controlled dollies


The track panel has been jacked up and the dollies are being driven underneath. The bolster is then raised to cradle the sleeper, when all dollies are positioned the jacks are lowered and the dollies take the weight. The cradles are then lowered.

The first section is loaded and underway, moving at slow walking pace


The second (crossover) section is following carried on two adjacent rows of dollies on two tracks


The radio control operator brings the section towards Brayford level crossing

The second section starting to cross the l/c


Heading for High Street crossing


First section passing the station

The second section follows


Continual inspection during movement


Heading under the bridge

Arrival at the installation site




Yours truly (on the right) watching the action

Tactical discussion






A final look from the bridge as we headed home about 8.30 pm.

Thanks Alan, most interesting.

Yes indeed, Most interesting, Look forward to more installments.

I understand that the crossover is in place and two tampers were working on the area this evening. The crossover on the Immingham line is also being installed.

andersley wrote:

I understand that the crossover is in place and two tampers were working on the area this evening. The crossover on the Immingham line is also being installed.

It's strange; every time I go past there's nothing happening and only a couple of people wandering around - and yet all these things keep getting done.

I reckon they're all hiding out of my sight.

It'd be nice to see some relaying done through the station, for all it's the least important bit 0f the project, so we've something to point to when people ask questions. And something for the Echo to take photos of to accompany their latest whinge, of course!

You will definitely notice a difference in the station when it is done. New grey ballast instead of brown mud and green weeds.

Like the Network Rail guy said, "at least on this job, I can see where I have been"!

andersley wrote:

You will definitely notice a difference in the station when it is done. New grey ballast instead of brown mud and green weeds.

I don't know if I'll be able to cope with that. I'm used to sneaking into the station through the greenery like a tiger through the jungle.

andersley wrote:

Like the Network Rail guy said, "at least on this job, I can see where I have been"!

Makes a change!

I have put some video links of the movements in the video section.

Looks fascinating!

Some good photos there, nice to see that engineering work is not just an excuse in this case! Some ACTUAL work going on!

Seen some jacks like those illustrated in a shot at Brayford at Newport. Didn't actually know what they were or why they were by the relief lines yesterday in Newport. Now I know what they are, although where they are working I do not know yet.

Keep up the good work!