Thanks for all the replies.
obviously I'm new to this site so not sure, as tomparryharry said if I'm actually in the right forum area.
i have had to take the decision to remove the track from the board as the board is basically only good for the fire now. Also now found that the rail supports are perished and the whole set of rails has gone in the bin. Totally u/s.
So I'll post some pictures in the new year as I've moved to the isle of Skye and will need to get my head into gear with house related stuff before I incur the wrath of the misses.
Great to be on line with knowledgable good people like yourselves.