The Level Crossing Gates. By Tony Dwight
Progress has been steady on the gates since last month, and we are now at a stage where we have three of the gates fully constructed.
Of these gate D has received two coats of primer, two coats of undercoat and two coats of white gloss paint. Gate A has reached the glossing stage and gate B is still awaiting its first primer coat.
The metal rods have been dry fitted but are at present removed and awaiting painting in white “Hammerite” before they are fitted permanently.
To facilitate John in the painting of the gates, Alan and Dave have made four trestles which allow the gates to be stood up and clamped against them this also frees up the bench for the continued construction of the other gates.
Gate C is in the process of have the cross bracings made and dry fitted as the drilling of the holes has to be done with cross bracings removed, they are then refitted and fixed into position, which also allows the chamfering of all of the edges.
It is understood that the fitting of these gates will be carried out during the first week of November as a joint exercise with the S & T department, and the workshop staff using the teleporter.
Once the gates are fitted into position, they will receive a final topcoat of white gloss, with the black metal work also being repainted.
The S & T department will be painting the red roundels and the stop lanterns prior to them being refitted to the new gates.