Courtybella Road (Western Region Mid 1990s).

[Courtybella]

Those who know Newport may remember the foot bridge very similar to this one which crossed the Courtybella branch along side Cardiff Road, I’m going for a similar idea here.

Rather pleased with it so far.

 

[Courtybella]

The storage area has undergone what is remodel number three, this has opened up five additional sidings primarily for loco storage of scene, but also to store wagons which aren’t required. I don’t really want stock, or locos on the Monbank spur all the time.

Track and point work all down ready to dropper, and point motor over the weekend, by the end of next week I hope to be able to run my first proper digital train movement after picking up a new control system.

I’ll also need to order a redraw of the fiddle yard control panel to take into account the additional sidings, and points.

 

[Courtybella]

End of year, where I am now scenic side update. Still plenty to do but getting there slowly.

 

[Courtybella]

Something drivers through Courtybella Road see more often than not, awaiting the slot towards Newport panel…nothing changes…

 

[Courtybella]

The track, and points are wired, I’ve figured out how to address my locos, so the time has come to instal my wonderful signals.

Here’s the first Jon Fitness built Western Region ground signal.

Jon Fitness 7mm Scale WR Ground Signal @ Courtybella Road Model Railway

 

[Courtybella]

Courtybella Road Signalling, still need to wire the majority into the panel, and fit the decorative tops.

 

[Courtybella]

Slowly moving towards fully commissioned signalling.

 

[Courtybella]

37695 eases away from Courtybella Road with a empty coal service to Oakdale Loading Point.

 

[Courtybella]

I seem to have found my mojo again, funny how small victories can boost your mindset.

Anyway, I’ve sanded a few of my HEA wagons to remove the rather pronounced side ribs.

Top is sanded and minus ribs - well much less pronounced than as delivered, bottom is as delivered.

At some point I’ll respray them with a faded red, along with fresh transfers as required.

I did try to take the wagon apart from the remove the hopper component requires cutting of the frame pipe work which im unwilling to do. This will require some extra masking to prevent overspray unfortunately.

 

[Courtybella]

Trainspotting Live @ Courtybella Road Model Railway February 2023

 

[Courtybella]

Finally thanks to a mate I’m making steps towards sorting out the electrical issues I’ve had with my points shorting out, so today I’ve had a little test / play with what’s working so far. A few snaps of the loco fleet as it stands, I’m expecting another 60 back in a week or so.

 

[Compton castle]

No 56 ?

 

[Courtybella]

No 56 ?

Another 37 first….

 

[Courtybella]

Todays happy snaps…

 

[Courtybella]

 

[Courtybella]

The last first generation DMU in South Wales goes for scrap at Courtybella Road.

 

[Courtybella]

Major track renewal works are being undertaken on Courtybella Road over a 54hr possession this weekend. The main task is to remove redundant switch and crossing panels from the long closed Cwm Colliery branch.

31190 waits at the possession limits with a train of empty spoil wagons.

 

[Courtybella]

 

[Courtybella]

As day one of the swtich and crossing removal possession draws to an end, most of the redundant assets have been removed - however if you look closely you’ll see that a small section of plain line has been left in place as believe it or not it wasn’t on the job sheet to remove !

Obviously it being 1997 and in the height of “if you want it done it’ll cost you” Wild West era of track maintenance it was decided to just leave it.

Tomorrow should hopefully see the first drop of ballast, clapping prior to welding (that’s if big Lee has cleaned the equipment), and PW can be persuaded there’s no such thing as the “Cwm Tunnel Grey Lady” bloody S&T always taking the piss !

However, tomorrow three trains are due into the job with ballast, and to recover the redundant track panels. Unfortunately due to a rostering error there isn’t a signaller booked on duty at Courtybella Road….the booked Bobby has booked sick due to having a guts full of their “colleagues”……

Will the job be covered, and the line reopened to traffic at 0600 Monday? Who knows…..

 

[Courtybella]

New track down, ready for the first pass of ballast tomorrow.