A new set of level crossing gates have been installed at Crakehall Station putting to an end the so-called Crakehall dance!
The gates are manually operated by a volunteer crossing keeper whenever the heritage railway is operating trains.
Officials sat the railway say the existing four light metal gates have proved quite a challenge over the years, especially during high winds.
When the gate catches were released, the gates would swing at will and the solo crossing keeper struggled to control them.
This led to what the volunteers affectionately called the Crakehall dance, which volunteers say was entertaining for spectators but off-putting for the crossing keepers.
A long-standing supporter Bob Coombs has now donated new gates to the railway.
Two new gates have been installed to replace the old four, meaning the keepers can more easily manage their opening.
He said: “I have been a volunteer for 11 years and in that time I have done various jobs, including crossing keeper and I have experienced the Crakehall dance.
“I decided that if I could ever afford it, I would pay for new gates.
“I was left a legacy that meant I could not only afford new gates but that I could take the opportunity to get some good ones that were in-keeping with a heritage railway.
“The gates are in memory of my uncle who made it possible.”
The new gates are made from wood and the posts are metal.
A local commercial wood business and registered charity, Gayle Mill Trust of Hawes, was selected to build the gates.
Bob added: “We have several photos of gates on the Wensleydale Railway from years gone by and I decided that we should see if we could make gates to a similar design. I purchased the book ‘A History of North Eastern Railway Signalling’ published by the North Eastern Railway Association, which had details of the gates they used in the 19th century.”
Crakehall railway station was opened in 1856 by the Bedale and Leyburn Railway, which later became part of the London and North Eastern Railway.
The railway was closed to scheduled passenger traffic in 1954 and goods traffic in 1992. The Wensleydale Railway now owns the building.
This project is one of many on the Wensleydale Railway including the relaying of track so that they can run passenger trains to Redmire again.
Donations are welcome: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/returntoredmire
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