Anyone who has dared to venture inside Whitrope Tunnel since the track was lifted may have looked out for the old mileage signs contained within. It seems though that the elements have got there first and severely corroded or destroyed anything there may be, apart from the odd rusty bolt. However, in December 2001, and what is thought to be the first piece of work on the tunnel since 1969, a replica Milepost 63 was erected.

It is positioned as close as possible to where the original MP 63 stood, approximately 580 yards from the southern portal, and being made from brass & oak will hopefully survive for many years.

Then, in January & February 2002, the section of line from Steele Road to Whitrope Tunnel was marked at every quarter of a mile with new small posts, identity markers, prior to erecting full size replicas. The Mileposts will be made from wood, with the 1/4, 1/2 & 3/4 moulded with concrete.

Full size replica Mileposts 64 to 67 (Whitrope and down through Riccarton Junction) were erected during the 12th - 14th April 2002 with further small identity markers from Shankend (MP 60) to Whitrope Tunnel north portal (MP 62 3/4)  also ready for use.

Bridges 199 & 200 have now received two full coats of Bitumen Black paint. This would have been similar to the type used originally. The ends of the railings have also been tidied up and injected with a Bitumen based preservative wax. The Bridge identity plates were also mounted on 199 & 200 on Sunday 14th April 2002, and are easily identifiable from both the track bed and from the road below.

We hope to carry out similar work on some of the other bridges before it is too late. Once complete they will also carry replica bridge number plates in their original positions, like 199 & 200.

W.R.H.A. Chairman, Len Ashton, setting MP 66 into position	Replica milepost 64 - Ninestane Rig (Whitrope) Cutting	Bridge 200 (Golden Bridge)