Saturday 30th - Paperwork Day

With the 40th anniversary gala just a week away preparations for the goods train is hotting up. Vacuum bags were changed and lots of paperwork was being done, tying together various inspections that have been undertaken over the last few months on axleboxes, draw-gear etc. Andy and Clive were circling the Queen Mary with a tick box sheet:

There was a lot to do for the roughly 10 vehicles we're planning to run in the train, especially as it's the first time we've done such for almost 5 years. Massive thanks to everyone involved in that, it's much appreciated by the gala team!

On the refurb itself, we're down to finishing touches. Richard did a marvellous job of making up a new wooden surround for the stove which had previously rotted:

Meanwhile Paul and I fitted the last few bits of the verandas including the top rails and the non-slip matting, although I rather remissly forgot to take a photo.

Outside there was quite a bit of shunting going on, mostly designed to put the Fruit C back in the bay platform, followed by a pair of bogies currently in the barn. To do that the ballast train had to be dragged out, and as it turned out, split, to make room for everything:

Dennis was collecting a few bits for the metal scrap, that should get us a few quid back:

Inside the workshop George was back, this time on the north end of the CK:

While Robert had a list of awkward jobs to do inside on the woodwork, preparing for the panelling to go back on:

On the bench John was making up some brackets:

And Phil was servicing one of the carriage key operated light switches that control lights through the whole train:

Meanwhile in the paintshop, Pam was continuing with the new lamp cases, painting the insides in black:

And Phil carried on with the second top coating - won't be long before we're lining out on the Malvern side now:

As this is my last post before the gala, just one more plug especially for the brake van rides we're offering. It's been much too long since we last ran a goods train on the GWSR, in past years the rake has been quite impressive:

You could be on it too!

Not only is it a great way to experience the line, but it makes it a lot easier for those of us who enjoy restoring wagons to justify doing more if we can show it makes a little bit of money too. I'm afraid you'll have to put up with yours truly as I'm guarding both days, but hopefully that won't put you off too much. Let's hope for weather like this!

You get some pretty unique views:

No need to pre-book, turn up on the day, details here.