Thursday 21st - The letters go on

A quieter Thursday with less in with the metalworking team having attended the day before. Most of photos are of the Queen Mary where progress continues at a rapid rate - very necessary as the Gala "countdown clock" is ticking loudly!

With the topcoating on the cabin sides completed on Tuesday, Alex could start the signwriting, beginning with the "S R" of course. The French chalk outline of the "S" patiently awaits his careful painting.

Cotswold side almost finished. Malvern side next!

An overview of the whole van. This was the only photo taken of this - the traditional end of day photo was not possible as by then we had hand-shunted most the vehicles together ready for extraction the next day while our high safety wires and associated equipment underwent the annual check and recertification.

Then the numbers begin to go on.

Phil adds a coat of white gloss to the roof.

Inside the cab Bob continues the lower level undercoating of the walls in Dark Grey.

We had been donated a tin of GW Cream gloss paint, which could not be used on our Choc & Cream coaches as it was quite a buttery cream, very different from that made by our regular supplier. However it is ideal for the inside of ths cab.

 Jeff having cleaned up the brake column undercoats that in Dark Grey.

Next for undercoating was the brake setter pipework.

Rapid progress with the column and setter completed, and Bob now working on the south end of the cab.

The next day would be our big yard tidy up, our safety wire inspection, and if time, continued effort on the Queen Mary van. Watch this space to see what happened.

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Now on to some of the other work taking place.

The Indoor Gang have now moved into CK 16221. As can be seen with these two windows, battening to allow the fixing of inner framing has been applied. Roger is drilling holes in the metal wall framing to allow battens to be fixed here too, which in turn will provide support for the new wall panelling. 

I later went back to the CK to photo Alan and Geoff, but missed their efforts. However I did capture Roger in one of the compartments attaching more battens.

Nearly lunchtime with some of the gang enjoying the sun as P&O passes.

I may have missed them working, but an hour and a half later I captured Paul and Dennis (who had been working in the 3rd Rake), and Geoff and Alan (who had been working in the CK) watching the DMU.

Paul's last job of the day was to vac the lobby, stairs and landing. Nice to keep everywhere tidy.

Several of our members are very fortunate to be able to own and run some lovely old cars. This beautifully restored 1953 MG YB is owned by Jeff. It is one of only 1301 that were actually made in the years 1952-53. It has a 1.25 litre engine.

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Lastly and most importantly, we were all delighted to see that Dave received his 15 years' service certificate and badge from GWR Trust chairman Glyn:

Dave is an absolute stalwart of C&W, and it's difficult to imagine the place without him - congratulations Dave, and here's to another 15 years! :-) -Ed.