Lincoln blockade
 

During the forthcoming blockade at Lincoln to upgrade the track layout, there will be lots of engineers trains in operation, so Lincoln will be a good place to photograph the action. A road overbridge and a footbridge should give a good view of the engineering work.

A few recent pictures. By the look of the trackage, some of it is in dire need of replacement!

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http://images.fotopic.net/yoyr32.jpg

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Two of the signalboxes which will dissappear next year when the second blockade upgrades the signalling.

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Alan,
I Hope you will keep us informed of the progress and treat us to some "after" shots when the track replacement is complete.:)
The last time I visited Lincoln all the trains were worked by first-generation blue/grey DMU's:D

I hope to also get some "during" shots. ;) Although I will be out of the country for some of the time of the blockade.

I went to Lincoln today to see what was going on. Whilst there I had a long chat to the Network Rail man in charge of the operation replacing trackage and installing a new crossover just past the level crossing on the Sleaford line.

He told me that the new crossover trackage had been pre-fabricated in the sidings near the old diesel depot beyond East Holmes, and that it would be moved on dollies through the station in the evening.

So my wife and I went back and got masses of photographs and video of the whole movement from Brayford to the installation site. The Network Rail man was pleased we had come back to see the movement. We received very full explanations of what would happen, and was happening. fascinating to see this very impressive piece of equipment in operation.

Will post pictures and links to video soon.

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 http://alansgallery.fotopic.net/c1347760.html

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

http://images.fotopic.net/yoc7tv.jpg

Slinger wagons placing new concrete sleepers
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Securing the gantries arter off-loading
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Went back in the evening to Brayford, where the track panels were ready for jacking up to allow the dollies to be rolled underneath
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The radio-controlled dollies
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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.
http://images.fotopic.net/yoc76a.jpg

The first section is loaded and underway, moving at slow walking pace
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The second (crossover) section is following carried on two adjacent rows of dollies on two tracks
http://images.fotopic.net/yoc76g.jpg

The radio control operator brings the section towards Brayford level crossing
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The second section starting to cross the l/c
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Heading for High Street crossing
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First section passing the station
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The second section follows
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Continual inspection during movement
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Heading under the bridge
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