Track Inspection – Part 1

Part one, as today saw us operate the rolling track and undertake a detailed inspection of the track from Maldon to Muckleford.

The day began with all the usual calibration checks of the equipment before  heading off for Muckleford.

We had a gang of 10 people today. About twice what is really needed for this task, but it’s safe to say we’ve had many eyes examine the track in great detail.

We found extremely exciting issues, 3 missing or damaged e clips – all almost certainly from a digger related altercation.

We found no instances of gauge faults requiring urgent action. The only instances were slightly tight gauge, which could all be attributed to sleeper condition – no instances in the concrete sleepers, which was excellent.

We made it to Donkey Farm Track for morning tea and managed to block the roadway in search of sunlight to warm our freezing bodies – it did warm up nicely after that, however.

Muckleford Yard received a thorough check up – a good few timber sleepers are coming on but nothing to get excited about yet.

We spent quite some time measuring and recording platform clearances and height about rail level.

We’ve also measured up any failing timber coping for replacement, we’ll probably be getting onto these fairly soon after completing the concrete sleepers through to Donkey Farm Trk, as they’re starting to show their age.

Little divets and oddities were filled to ensure no trip hazards exist.

The goods shed platform had a similar check up, however in not quite the same detail given the extremely minimal use.

All the same things were repeated at Maldon, with nothing of any concern to report back – which is not surprising. We’ve got a few minor potholes in the platform to fill, but the local hardware inly had damaged bags of cold mix asphalt which had already set… so not much use.

Part of the check includes the Turntable, one leg of the approach track benefited from a little tweak so that was undertaken. Only a few mm, but it improved things a little.

We did very well today and we’ll continue with this activity on Monday and Tuesday.

Monday will be dedicated to Castlemaine Yard checks. Meeting at Castlemaine Yard from 8am.