The line was open for business this morning. As late as 6.00pm yesterday, Coleman Rail were still thermit-welding near Graham stop and the tamper was working on the out-bound line between Swallow Street and Beacon Cove.

I'm behind in updating the track renewal pages (I took 700+ pictures over the last 9 days) but hope to catch up today, depending on how busy it is at work.

Here's a photo taken at 9.00am today: 3034 is out-bound at Bridge Street as 243 is inbound, heading home to Kew Depot. I'm intrigued that even though the line is all welded, there is still a clack-clack, clack-clack as trams pass over the joints. The rail also "sings" with the approach of a tram far more than it used to on the crappy wooden sleepers with track almost fixed to it.

http://trams.steam4me.net/images/3034_243_Bridge_st.jpg

The sensors for detecting trams are still covered by plywood and, at Bridge Street at least, out-bound trams have to come to a complete halt before the crossing lights, bells and booms activate. In-bound trams trigger the crossing soon after leaving Graham. so I guess there's a bit of finishing still to be done.

Yuri.