The Civil Engineering Department is a small group of volunteers whose purpose is to tackle many building and maintenance jobs at Stations and on the line side.

Larger projects, such as new Station buildings, are normally handled by contractors. However, we do tackle smaller projects, like wooden buildings, waiting shelters, and signal boxes. These are both new builds and also renovation and repainting of old buildings. We are also involved in brick work projects such as new walls and repointing all types of structures, including buildings, platforms, bridges and culverts.

On the line side we are responsible for most of the signage, farmers crossings, many miles of fencing, and hedges. We also build new drains and keep existing drainage clear, and when time permits, prune and fell trees, and remove saplings from the trackside.

Reasonably fit volunteers are always needed, especially younger ones, as our average age is increasing rapidly. If you don't mind heavy and dirty work, and working in all weathers, then follow the link to the volunteers page and click the contact link from there.

Bob McDonnell

Right: Refurbishment of Cheddleton yard signal box
- Photo Bob McDonnell

15th March 2009 - As well as working on the Cheddleton yard box, we have also started a program of replacing the whistle boards along the line. Six done on Sunday, only 26 to go.

Right: Refurbishment of Cheddleton yard signal box
- Photo Bob McDonnell

At the end of July, we decided that the Froghall picnic area should be ready for the summer holidays. Accordingly, the area was strimmed and benches obtained. The strimmimg showed that the grass was very sparse, having been smothered by large- leaved weeds.

Bob McDonnell 18th Oct 2009