For all the latest SDR news and superb pictures-Please click Here!I finally managed to get a few hours at Staverton today, hoping to see the Dukedog in action before this weekends Cambrian gala.

It was almost a shame to work as the sun shone down but I got out the paintbrush again to finish the shed door. I didn't bother to photograph that as there were historic works afoot.

For the first time in at least 40 years the crossing gates at Staverton are being replaced. The new ones were made last year and very carefully painted over the winter ready to hang.

The first new gate, lifted out of the second goods shed by hand.

As you can see it takes two workers to each spectator...

The road railer is deployed to lift the very heavy oak gates into position. The PW dept taking great care with the lift.

Lifting onto the hinges

Now back to the weathering of the title. stock movements gave a good opportunity to collect a few pics of the late plywood vent van, in BR bauxite, many of which lasted well into TOPS. Note the great display of peeling paint.

LMS liveried plank wagon- again in a very "model" state for well used stock.

As the gate is off, we are using flag men today, which gave me a chance to capture Collet goods 3205 at the head of the dining car set being given the right away, which then gave me a puff of steam at the right moment!

A great quick visit, the only downer being the absence of the Dukedog, which was scheduled to pull the dining car set.