It was quite an interesting day with a number of aspects beginning to come together. It’s still too early to say that the end is in sight with the RBr and FK but there was a lot to be pleased about, so another lengthy posting.
Beginning with 1675, Rex and Gerry trial fit the inner section of the lithium battery box.
Now back in the metalworking area for some minor adjustments. The shelves had been removed for the test.
The doors for the box have now been made and awaiting painting.
The next item being constructed by Richard I and Phil S. is the large skid for the 1675’s kitchen/pantry.
This comprises all the various components for one of the water heaters.
Up on the Workshop mezzanine, Richard II is wiring up the control panel for 1675’s 240 volt system. It looked complicated when I photographed this before the wiring up, and now ……. wow!!!
The front panel test board, the blue light indicating the generator-related circuitry is under test.
Richard, you should be congratulated for sorting all this out.
The wall covering and flooring contractors have done a brilliant job in the kitchen and pantry areas. All that’s left to do is the extended floor covering into the servery and storage areas.
More great progress, this time with the completed gutters on 1675. Jeff does the final cleaning up and priming of the Malvern side gutter.
Then round to the Cotswold side. After a light sand of the side and underneath, the gutter is vacuumed.
Then on with the etch primer. Jeff did really well with this job. Just the final quarter at the south end left to do. With the gutters back in place, the green primed areas remaining on both sides can be undercoated in Light Grey.
FK 13326 is also progressing well. Gerry reinstates that missing bit of gutter on the Cotswold side. The north end corridor connection gangway is in place, with the south end next to do. The internal rebuild of the south vestibule is also looking good.
It’s big brown panel time! On the Malvern side Phil begins giving the lower section a light sand, followed by a wipe over with thinners.
Returning later, Bob is over two thirds along with the GWR Brown.
Phil meanwhile had moved round to the Cotswold side and continued the light sanding and wiping down.
Time to top up the kettle from the 5L tin.
Bob had moved round and soon had the south half done, leaving Phil to complete the north half.
The two sides now looking really good. Nearly all the window frames have had two coats; the cream panels definitely need two. We will be varnishing, so we may only need the single coat on the lower sections. The centre door still needs top coating.
Moving outside to catch RMB 1808 being trundled into the headshunt, the maintenance work on it now completed.
Then back into the station and on to the Malvern side of the yard. With Stu acting as shunter, Ian moves the 03 towards Rake 3. The front half of the rake will be drawn out ready for the RMB to be put back. Rake 3 will be back in use again for the Gala in two weeks time.
A shot of the station just prior to the RMB being moved into the headshunt. Now who is that walking back along Platform 1? I bet it’s been “toasted teacake” time again in the Coffee Pot Cafe!
[Photo : Paul W.] To save me yet more walking about, Paul very kindly went back to TSO 5023 in the yard and took a couple of photos. Paul and Dennis have done a great job giving the coach a good clean inside. 5023 will be part of Rake 4 for the Gala.
[Photo : Paul W.] Despite best endeavours, the leaking cistern in the Malvern side toilet compartment continues to be a problem. With little time left to get this sorted out properly, the compartment has to be locked out of use.
Now nearing completion the GW ply van is looking really good. Maurice trims down the last few bolts prior to priming (drying very quickly with the hot weather) and top coating.
That’s it – just the locking bolts to put back (currently being painted on the trestles) and the signwriting to go on.
Tidying up some missed bits on the Malvern side.
Finally back to Dave again, tidying up our yard stock. Last, but certainly not least.
