Taking photos for the blog is often a case of snatched opportunities, such as when walking through the Workshop to collect a sander or needing to speak to someone. At other times it is a planned foray, visiting all parts of the Works and even venturing outside. I am always grateful when others take photos and forward them to me, especially if I am busy with work and haven't got time to walk to the far end of Platform 2 or right down the yard to where there is a ladder giving access to Rake 3.
Today I have opted to do another time based report, much of which was snatched opportunity, but I did do a walkabout in the morning.
0932: My first photo is of Richard repainting the outer face of the south corridor connection door from SO 4798.
0950: Today the main painting and varnishing of the sides of RMB 1876 will be completed with Alex applying a final coat of varnish to the Malvern side. Phil finishes the scotch brite keying, to be followed by a wipe over with a tack cloth. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo of Alex, but suffice to say he was doing his usual excellent job. It's great to get this major and important part of 1876's refurbishment finished.
1041: Ed is sanding clean two large steps. He later added filler where needed. The job will be completed with the application of a coat of wood primer to each.
1041: Andy is working on a section of pipe to be used in the rebuild of the tank filler system at the south end of 4798. The first job is to remove a somewhat obstinate nut.
1042: Alan is well into the repairs to this doorskin from BSK 35308 and is now welding new metal segments under the droplight frame.
1043: Back to 4798 tank filler project, John compares the new and old pipes. The hole in the pipe he is holding is clearly visible.
1044: The thread cutter.
1045: With our normal 2 month winter shutdown period being cut short by the half term week of running in February we are having to work harder to try and cover all the maintenance requirements. Currently on the jack road is TSO 4772.
1048: Simon is cutting thin strips from this plyboard for his rebuild of the toilet compartments in RMB 1876.
1127: Laura is well on the way to completing another DMU seat cushion in Bournemouth Blue moquette.
1128: Peter, assisted by Jane, is doing some maintenance on the overlocking machine. His knowledge of sewing machines is proving to be invaluable.
1201: Maurice is cleaning up part of the brake mechanism from the Mink D van.
1227: Phil is paying a visit today and in conversation with Jenny and Paul who are taking a break from more carriage cleaning.
1238: Carol is reloading the bobbin for this sewing machine with white thread. The old flat iron anchoring for the white reel is brilliant!
1239: Jane is reinforcing the foam edges.
1240: Peter appears to be finishing his maintenance of the overlocker.
1247: Despite the fact that the new carpet is now in, those new veneer centre panels in SO 4798 still needed a light sand and second coat of varnish. Bob, taking great care, got most of them done .......
1249: ...... and then proceeds to key the centre vestibule ready for a fresh coat of varnish.
1249: On the Malvern side of 4798 George continues the filling and sanding needed on so much of the two bodysides. Up to now the job has been very scattered and as such progress is impossible to establish. I have now chalked vertical work zones on the sides so that the job can be limited to each in turn and completed to the greying up stage.
1250: Back to James and John working on replacement pipework for 4798 .........
1250: ........ and a fresh thread in the process of bring cut.
1251: Alan grinds clean his completed repairs on 35308's doorskin.
1253: Robert cuts some new rubber door seal .......
1259: ...... and then carefully attaches it to this new beading strip for the inside of the Cotswold side north doorway on 1876.
1346: The south end of the Mink D wagon is beginning to look good with the newly painted planks being fitted by Paul and Maurice.
1347: In the north vestibule of 1876 Simon is cutting his plyboard strips for the toilet compartment ceiling edges.
There is huge amount of varnishing to get done in this end of the coach and it will all require at least three coats. I'm very keen to get going on this and so am very pleased that Simon has now given the go ahead for us to make a start. The first coat will sink in almost without a trace. Once the veneer has been sealed we can begin ceiling painting too.
1421: Alan's completed repairs to the doorskin from 35308 have been coated in green primer. This will now be ready for refitting to the hardwood frame.
1424: Richard is now revarnishing the first of the two toilet compartment doors from SO 4798.
1455: With the current coach cleaning finished for the day, Jenny vacs round the lobby.
1458: No hanging about today. On the jack road TSO 4772 has now been replaced by TSO 4614.
1547: Just Carol left in Upholstery now, steadily machining one of the new curtains for SO 4798.
1548: A closer look at the innovative way of supplying the white thread to the adjacent sewing machine. I have seen old flatirons used for such things as doorstops, but never like this.
1610: The south end nearing completion. There is a very long way to go yet - this is a very large van - but nevertheless very heartening to see.
1611: Bob's revarnishing in 4798's centre vestibule is looking good.
