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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http://images.fotopic.net/yoyr2z.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
http://images.fotopic.net/yoc769.jpg

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
http://images.fotopic.net/yoc76q.jpg

The second section follows
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Continual inspection during movement
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Heading under the bridge
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Arrival at the installation site
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Yours truly (on the right) watching the action
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Tactical discussion
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A final look from the bridge as we headed home about 8.30 pm.
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I understand that the crossover is now in place and this evening two tampers were working on the area. The crossover on the Immingham line is also being installed.

A great set of photos Alan. Thanks.
I have often seen some of the equipment shown in your photos stored at the side of the track but never known how it was used......now I do:)
Seeing the crossover replacement in detail really highlights just how restricted our railways are and how difficult working on them can be.
Were the points for the crossover assembled locally? I don't think the British loading gauge allows for the use of these type of transporter wagons. http://www.matisa.ch/matisa_ang/matisa_wtm.html

John, the track sections were assembled on the site where they were loaded - some disused sidings near the west of the city.

Here are some video clips of the action. (Video taken by my wife Irene).

First clip is the loading of the panels onto dollies and rolling across Brayford Road East level crossing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4yXnOL55bU

Second clip is the panels passing through the station
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfZ41jfgS04

Third clip is arrival at the work site
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P9RixDqvcU

Good photos and interesting reading.

Great videos......Congratulations to Irene for her superb camera work:)

I have to agree with Swisstrain John, excellent camera work on the video, a good and interesting post all round. well done both of you.
Syd

Irene says thank you for the compliments. ;)