Ribble’s new turntable arrival is followed by vandal attack
VANDALS went on a wrecking spree at the Ribble Steam Railway on May 25, only a day after a new turntable was installed.
Intruders attempted to break into the line’s museum, but while unsuccessful, they smashed up anything within reach. Carriage locks were damaged, signalbox windows smashed, and a caravan broken into and internally trashed.
The culprits, three male youths, were caught on CCTV that included clear images of their faces and which has all been passed on to the police.
Sadly, less than a week later, further damage was sustained when the youths returned, this time with a female joining them.
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote log number 159625.5.22.
On May 24, a new 156ft turntable was installed, the culmination of two years’ planning and construction. The revolving deck sits on 14 rollers and a centralised bearing hub.
The rotating deck was originally built in 1922 for use at Devonport Docks, so its restoration has coincided with its own centenary anniversary. Plans to mark this, along with its rededication, are in hand for later in the year.
Although built as a wagon turntable, it has been calculated that it will also be able to accommodate most of the RSR’s industrial locomotives, which will greatly benefit maintenance programmes.
The top decking, perimeter blockwork, and approach rails are still to be completed before it can be commissioned for use.
The line’s ‘Waggoners Group’ is also restoring a rake of six five-plank wagons to carry dual identities, with some planned to adopt Preston Corporation identities in reference to the huge number of these vehicles once found on Preston Docks.