Track Relays

It is a factor of heritage railways that most of the heavy maintenance has to be done out of season when the trains aren't running. Not for us the opportunity to close down on a Sunday and relay the track - we need to do it during the winter when the services are stopped. This means that our track gangs are often out working in the worst conditions.
Anyway, here is a fascinating video of how it was done traditionally:

This is an absolutely absorbing video - well at least for me it is. I just love the precision, the lack of hard hats, the gents in suits and the lovely period charm of the whole thing.
As a contrast, the infrastructure gang are relaying track beyond Seaward Way crossing. There are several photographs on Steve Edges website, here is one:
track relay