Those sections of the track still laid with aluminium rail, which was showing considerable wear and did have expansion problems, have, apart from some sidings, been completely relaid in steel, with new drainage and ballast where required. New fencing has been created and existing, where in disrepair, replaced.

Progress continues to be made with the proposed 1,700 ft. dual gauge extension. The new level crossing being an essential part of that project. The turnouts from the existing track have been installed and in spite of the continuous wet weather this winter, which turned new cuttings into canals, the Society's 'navigators' have managed to get undergrowth cleared, part of the track bed excavated and some short lengths of track already laid. All work has been carried out following consultation with the QRS executive and, hopefully, will be completed over the next two years.

Another project which has now started within the main loop and at the bottom end of our track and which should create further interest, is the building of a raised 'G' Scale track which will also be suitable for Gauge '1' models.

Christmas saw the Society's portable track in use which was laid inside the 'Restoration' shed and although there was a problem with one of the locomotives, which has now been resolved, a back-up engine was soon provided and a continuous service provided.

At the time of writing, Easter is almost upon us and in preparation for the flood of visitors, the general tidying up of VAMES area is in hand, as are also preliminary preparations for the forthcoming Annual Miniature Traction Engine Rally, which is now a major event in the miniature traction engine events calendar.

All the foregoing is not without some monetary cost to Society, mainly expended on materials and plant hire, however due to the success of last year it has been possible to finance the work with revenue raised at the track on public running days much of which is being ploughed back into the facilities which VAMES provide at their track at Quainton, not only for the benefit of its members but also for the benefit of the Bucks Railway Centre in helping to make it an attractive venue for visitors in 1995 and beyond.