Wednesday 10th – Warmer in the Workshop than the Barn

 After Saturday’s shunt, everything had moved, best of all into the paint/ and workshop. We were happy with 13326’s door frame measurements and so decided to weld it all. This opened the way to fit the next end panel.

It’s fair to say the panel is more awkward than heavy, never the less we find the more muscle the easier it is. We make a couple of adjustments before the lift and it’s very surprising how well these panels fit …. all credit to South Devon Railway Engineering.

Bob is just checking the alignment, it is already tacked into position. In this particular carriage we have also changed the door frame vertical Z sections, working with the doorfit team who give us their desired gaps for wood inserts.

A number of strategic tack welds are applied.

Moving on to 1675, there is a lot of paint layers to be removed and these guys just keep going until its all done.

Trevor and Ben still making final door adjustments, it seems a never ending task.

Meanwhile Rex is moving on with the generator mounting frame, his engineering background shows with his attention to detail.

Chris is working alongside the paintshop team and removing an incredibly thick layer of paint, it has been found a hot air gun and scraper are the best way.

Ken is applying some gentle force to this sheeps head (can you see the shape?) It is part of the steam heating system, and has a couple of broken threaded inserts. I can tell you that by the end of play all fittings were repaired and in place, top job!

It was all happening in the upholstery shop, Jenny is working on seats for 4867 which I am told will be coming in this year for us to work our magic.

John is doing likewise …..

Laura is working on their new line of bespoke shopping bags ……

Eve is working on the seat set for the Dean Forest Railway.

Returning to 13326, Trevor is cutting the skin back to the door frame, then it will the lock plate on a wood liner fitted and the jobs a good ‘un.

Bob is plasma cutting corner brackets for the next end skin panel.

All in all a very successful day, with much progress being made. The running season is not far away.

Many thanks to Gerry for the photos.

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