Track laying finished

I was fortunate enough today to be able to see the NTC track laying machine in action.  It had nearly reached the farm accommodation bridge which is a good spot to watch as the adjacent field is almost level with the track at this point. Although I have seen videos of it working, it is still very impressive to actually watch it work.   It subsequently reached Hitchin East Junction later in the day.  Some minor work to put in some expansion joints by the bridge is still required but track is now in place all the way round.  Ballast work will follow shortly and then the overhead line stanchions will be installed.

View of the track layer across the snowy field adjacent to the Cambridge line.

Some workers were preparing the track ahead of the train.

The sleeper moving unit arrives with fresh supplies.  It waited for the conveyor to empty before dropping its load.  It moved surprisingly fast.

The sleeper wagons stretch around the corner.

The front of the train being controlled  by wire whilst another worker watches the sleepers drop..

 A closer look.  You can see the sleepers moving down from the left and dropping onto the ballast behind the worker on the left.

 This is the unit that clips the rail into the chairs.

 A closer view of it.

 Here you can see how close the train is to the bridge.

And just how little there is to go to the junction.