Wednesday 9th - And so it begins

 Amongst many things today, we got the go ahead for the restoration of Rbr 1675.

It will be a long job, we made a start at removing certain items .....

Bryan is removing old ply flooring, to expose metal floor supports. 

Ably assisted by Rex with implements of destruction ..... this is a full on restoration.

The ancient fridge was a source of irritation, so we ganged up on it .....

A large gap appeared where there used to be a fridge .......

Metalwork team 1 ..... Fridge 0.

Meanwhile in the corridor, Gerry was removing flooring and some past its sell by date wall covering.

As parts come off, they are being cleaned, inspected in many cases numbered and then carefully stored, ready for installation at a later date.

Remember this photo, and compare it in the future when we have returned 1675 to its former glory.

The tin worm may think its winning, but it won't. We are doing the floor and bearers first, to be followed by new buffer plates, crash pillars and any outer skin panels that need replacing.

The other project which will run alongside is the TOAD, so far Richard, Paul and Gerry have removed a huge amount of scrap steel bits which for many years have languished beneath the floor as ballast. This will be replaced by concrete blocks caste in situ. Then the metalwork starts, it will make a fine addition to the fleet.

Richard proudly stands next to the skip which was filled to weight capacity with the previously mentioned ballast.

Moving away from metalwork, we must remember the other teams were just a busy, and although the paintshop is empty temporarily there is a huge number of parts waiting for the magic touch.

Nice to see Pat, here he is applying yet more varnish to panels and later joined us on 1675.

Robert is checking the fit on the centre door pillar on 16221, I have to say they are making magnificent progress and it is now looking much more as it should.

A small job I got involved with, for S&T .... I think its either for signals or turn outs ( excuse my ignorance) Malcolm occasionally asks for alterations to cut outs etc. Happy to oblige.

Finally the door fit team, Ainsley is fettling something here. Too small to tell what it is.

Ben is just setting up the fly press, to make a part for a door lock.

Finally, finally a view of Winchcombe station looking a little less full as Rakes are returned ready for the big start tomorrow.

Apologies if I have missed anyone, it was a bit frenetic on Wednesday.