Obwohl unsere Gleise im Jahr 2021 komplett erneuert wurden, begann eine Stelle im Jahr 2023, größere Probleme zu Although our track was completely renewed in 2021, one place started to cause major problems in 2023. On several occasions, the train derailed there. The trackbed had settled and dropped slightly in level, and the train would mewl and squeak its way around the bend and derail more and more as it passed the switch. In the end, the site became virtually impassable, so that in September 2023, the committee decided to prepare everything in order to install a new base for the rails and points. It was also clear that the friends had neither the equipment nor the know-how to prepare the track bed. In 2022, the 'Kollerten', the group of Friends of the Slate who run the tourist train, bought a rail bender to manage the radius of the track themselves. Having a shovel, vibrator and measuring tools and knowing how to use them to prepare the track is another matter.
That's why we contacted our hard-working contractors in the region to ask them if they could take on the task of preparing the track. In the end, the order went to Nicolas-Heidesch of Bilsdorf. In February 2024, the cost estimate of 20,000.00 euros was approved by the general meeting of the Amis de l'Ardoise.
Work got underway quickly, and the Kollerten team were able to start laying the rails as early as April. The new bending machine proved very useful during the initial work. Since 1 May, the train has been running again, with visitors to the site. The only thing still missing is the stones to fill in the spaces between the sleepers and next to the rails. And as usual, as soon as the passengers are seated, and as great as the guided tour of the Slate Museum was before, our train drivers will be the stars of the day. In fact, the Kollerten make sure that the train is in permanent operation at least every Sunday afternoon during the season.
