Information for Volunteers – Permanent Way Gang

We would like to welcome you to the West Somerset Railway, to its volunteer body The West Somerset Railway Association, and in particular to the Association Permanent Way Gang. We are active throughout the year undertaking a variety of tasks that ensure that the Permanent Way (i.e. the track) and other civil engineering structures are maintained in good order.

We would like to encourage you to join us and the following notes define and describe just some of the many tasks that the Permanent Way Gang undertake. They are presented as a series of questions and answers:

•  WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF ‘PERMANENT WAY'?

Permanent Way is defined as all of the engineering structures (the track (rail, sleepers and ballast), embankments, culverts & bridges) within the boundary fence, that form the structure of the railway.

•  WHAT ARE WE AIMING TO ACHIEVE?

Our aim is to support and assist the Railway company's gang in maintaining the structure of railway to a standard that ensures that the company's trains can run in a safe and timely manner and that passengers and rolling stock can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.

•  HOW DID WE START?

The genesis of the Associations gang is from the gangs that fought long battles with rampant overgrowth before the railway reopened in 1976. Following on from this were tasks to recover redundant track and bring the existing track and structures up to a suitable standard before the first trains ran.

•  WHAT DO WE DO?

We undertake a variety of maintenance tasks on all parts of the railway, from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead, these include;

•  Spot re- sleepering; replacing rotten wooden sleepers with new ones.

•  Fish plate oiling; greasing the fishplates at every other rail joint (an annual task), to ease expansion in hot weather.

•  Clearing bridges and culverts of any overgrowth.

•  Clearing ditches and drains.

•  Cutting back any railway over growth.

•  Assisting the Company's gang with major track re-laying projects

•  Emergency fencing.

•  HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THIS?

We meet on the railway once a week (Saturday but more usually Sunday throughout the year). In addition we also assist on week days especially during the railways “closed” season from January to March, when the absence of trains allows heavier engineering tasks to be undertaken. Volunteers are also welcome to assist the Company's PW gang during the week should they so wish.

Tasks are prioritised by the railway's PW supervisor (Mick Phelps). He liases with the Association's PW gang leader (Dave Randall). Those wishing to work simply give Dave a ring on a Thursday night to find out where the gang will be located and what work is scheduled. We meet at Bishop's Lydeard station at 0900 hrs behind the visitor centre where we have a small hut that contains all our tools. From here we proceed to the worksite in as few cars as possible (we do occasionally travel to work by train!). Our inventory of tools includes sufficient to tackle all the tasks listed above.

We normally arrive at the worksite at around 0930hrs. We have a break at 1100hrs, lunch at 1300hrs and aim to leave the site at around 1545 hrs. (This enables volunteers that may have travelled some distance, sufficient time to get home).

At the end of the working day we would hope that, though tired, you will be content that you have assisted in maintaining a small part of the railway.

•  WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You! This is not a task for small children but anyone aged 14 and over can assist, provided you are reasonably fit, happy to be part of a team and don't mind working out of doors in most conditions.

•  WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE?

You will need to come suitably dressed in old (but durable) clothes, sturdy boots (steel toecaps preferred) and bring thick gloves and waterproof clothing. You will also need an orange high Vis vest. We can provide limited amounts of these items to start with, until you can acquire your own. Don't forget a packed lunch and plenty of fluid.

•  WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

You can ring the Association's Permanent Way gang Team Leader, Dave Randall, on (01935) 425300 or contact the Association Administration officer, Keith Sandford, on (01823) 433856.

•  WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

Give Dave Randall a ring (see above) he will be able to tell you where the next working party will be held. Once on site Dave will be able to provide you with a safety brief and details of the work in hand.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON.

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