Work to replace timbers on the Gallery turnout on our South Line outside the station continued on Saturday, with the team clearing stone and installing ‘new’ timbers obtained from Belfast Great Victoria Street after closure.
These massive timbers are 24-feet long. There’s no easy way to move them by hand. The Komatsu is out of action for a bit of TLC. We pressed the Atlas into service. This carefully installed the timbers in place.
It was a perfect opportunity for volunteer Jack to refresh his excavator skills. Innis conducted this session, as he is a professional plant trainer in his day job He was able to guide Jack through operation of the Atlas. He also showed him how to work with a slinger to safely lift materials on a rail worksite.
Jack did well, showing his past experience. It won’t take too many more sessions before he can get passed out on the excavator for off-rail use. After that comes the exciting world of on-rail operations.
