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Thursday 13 July 2023

We Have Lift-Off

 Rainwater ingress between the tank and the stonework below has always been a problem, especially with wind-driven rain.  After much research and head-scratching, today sees the problem being tackled and hopefully solved.











Builder Carl Johnson was up for the job in a big way.  Access was no problem now that he had a serious high-lift access JCB.
















This JCB 535-125 Hi Viz tele-handler is a monster - well capable to reaching right over the coal truck and up to the tank.
















This has enabled safe and easy access to the horizontal row of sealants between the tank and the stonework below.  This was found to have failed almost totally along the south end of the tank.  In fact it could be pulled away in one strip, revealing wetness behind it.  Here it is laid out along a bench seat.  Not a pretty sight:





















The JCB access is enabling the replacements sealants to be applied with accuracy and care.  The gap is cleaned out thoroughly, then high expansion foam is inserted.  `This is then hammered in tight and the resulting channel is filled with black sealant, pressed in thoroughly. By Carl Johnson's son Scott.

They did the entire southern end and the western side, whose north west corner could only be accessed from the station drive - nicely between trains.  The platform did not quite reach, the station drive at that point being considerably lower.  Even so Scott Johnson was game for a heroic stretch:









































A tricky day's work done. to be resumed on the next dry day.

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