Great news - we've reached the end of the line

After a great effort by our PW team, we have completed track laying down to the end of the line - currently called "Terminus" but we may rename this in the future.

Trains can now run into the station and use the run around loop to shunt and manoeuvre  stock ready for the return journey. As well as allowing us to now run all passenger trains loco first, it allows us to serve the whole line with freight services.

An update timetable will be issued by the board soon and work has already started on the new station for this location.

After Easter, work will begin in the depot area of the line to introduce a run around loop here to allow shunting at the top end of the line, allow a steam up area for when we eventually make the decision to get a steam loco.

The run around loop laid and ready for business

Jessie brings the first train into Terminus and takes part in the first proper shunting on the line

Later in the day Lola brings materials down to the site ready for platform building to start

Birds Nest Station - work underway

The line has now reached Birds Nest Station - see the map below for orientation (note on here it is called Bird Table Halt - on the left hand side.

Work has started on the halt with groundworks being completed this weekend - hopefully if the weather allows more work can continue this coming weekend.

No.3 Kenny brings the works train around Brewery Curve on route to the site of Birds Nest Halt

Works train arrives at the Halt - the ground works for the halt can be seen behind the loco and 1st wagon

A clearer view of the groundworks

Working under lights

Here are a few pics showing CHLR working into the early evening - a chance to test the station and carriage lighting systems

Our general manager surveys the scene at Junction before locking up for the evening

Kenny get a clear green light to move on down to Junction

No.3 - Kenny prepares for the last down train of the evening

And here he is picking up the last passenger of the day from Wood Yard down to Junction

Snow arrives

Its been a snowy week at the CHLR at the beginning of January 2017.

The signal team had to dig themselves into the main signal box at Woodyard

Depot and Woodyard stations were the worst affected:-

And as a result the motive power team were asked to clear the line - below is a short video documenting their efforts!

Santa's Special 2016

The CHLR ran its first Santa Specials on Sunday - management allowed Santa trains to run on Sat PM after the serious industrial trains had been in action in the morning supplying kinderling to the good people of Kent and bird food to the feathered visitors to the county.

Here No.3 Kenny is seen in charge of the 2pm service near the current end of the line on the outskirts of Birds Nest.

The Cornus tree makes a great contrast in the grey winter light - Santa can't be seen in this shot - he's busy unwrapping presents in the enclosed carriage with the kids! 

Work continues on the extension

Despite the fog this weekend, work continued on the extension on the CHLR - ground works have now nearly reached Birds Nest which should help the re-stocking of the bird feeders.

Track laying may well be possible over some of the Christmas holidays with the PW team receiving double time, beer tokens for the new pub that is opening next to the CHLR and limitless mince pies.

The new 'end of the groundworks' has reached Birds Nest

As well as ground works, a large amount of tree felling was required!

The road is claer for the next phase - more track on order from t'suppliers

Sunny autumn light

Before the storm, the line was bathed in great sunlight - here PhilPot our PW driver chats to Pat the Postman as they meet on their early morning duties.

and below, Number 2 Jessie brings the early morning passenger working along the line