Tuesday 21st/Thursday 23rd - Well we never expected that

I am absolutely stunned, and no doubt Roger is too, by the reception of the Evolution posting. We never expected anything like what has happened. On checking the blog statistics it is now the 3rd highest read article since Alex started the new blog in September 2020, with now over 1000 viewings by the end of Friday 24th. We are delighted it has gone down so well. What more can we say, other than a very hearty Thank You for the many kind comments. 

There is now a new page called Special Articles which will hold postings that are not time bound and can be consulted easily, and as such this now includes "Evolution" and the excellent "Electrics on Mk1 Coaches for GWSR" published by our electricians Richards I and II.

*********************

Now on to the regular updates.

Tuesday 21st

Being somewhat busy I took very few photos 

Alex reuses his whisker tracing on the south end of the Bubblecar. I helped to set this up as it needed two pairs of hands. As at the north end, once the chalk marking was it place, it was then reversed to produce the mirror image.

Meanwhile Richard and I were busy with the lining out, taking on the Cotswold side upper line and Malvern side lower line respectively.

Keith completed the varnishing on the last of the chairs from RBr 1675. Prior to that he had finished off the top coating on the vestibule ceilings panels for CK 16221. The chairs are now in Upholstery awaiting their turn to be reupholstered, while the panels have been stacked at the north end of the Paintshop until they can be fitted by the Woodwork team.

Ian joined Dave H. working on the sides of TSO 4867 in the yard. It was very hot out to say the least and Ian makes use of an old towel.

Other work going on but not photograhed included the FOWS Toad repairs and general sanding down ready for its repaint by the Wagon team.

The repaint of the Santa coach has already started with the Malvern side of the roof now in top coat. This will follow the Bubblecar in the Paintshop.

The lovely little Ivatt Mogul which is staying with us for the summer. 

Two end of the day shots of the Bubblecar with the Cotswold side lining out completed and the front with its blue squares now painted on.

Thursday 23rd

Beginning the day with RBr 1675 and the continuing destruction/reconstruction work. Gerry levers up more worn out flooring.

Later on Gerry was cutting away more panelling to reveal the next corroded section of underframe.

Not sure what was happening here with Nick demonstrating something while Gerry and Phil look on.

Nick cuts out a corroded piece of the heavy panelling on the FOWS Toad brake van. The crack in the frame (top left of the buffer) has been welded up. This seems to be a common problem as the same had happened on the Malvern side and also on the "Cheltenham High St" Toad.

Over to the 3rd Rake and FK 13329 where Richards I and II are mounting more LED lighting.

Further down the corridor Alan and Roger were installing a new section of veneer panelling.

The large pile of seating in one of the two first class compartments in BCK 21092, some of which is being replaced as it has become somewhat worn out.

Phil was in a bit later today, and joins Dennis and Paul who are having a break from their cleaning in the coaches used for the Gala 4th Rake.

Up on the mezzanine Steve is setting up more parts for LED lighting.

Finally moving on to the Bubblecar. When not chasing around getting blog photos and doing other logistical things, I got just over half the Malvern side top line completed.

Varnishing commences on the Cotswold side with Bob basically doing almost all the top section above the lower line. Various panels and doors below the line where signwriting would be done were marked with an X to indicate that they were not to be varnished.

With top coating completed, signwriting has now begun in earnest. The Cotswold side number now in chalk outline ready for painting.

Next comes the "PRIVATE" on the cab door. Alex carefully pencils over the lettering. When the paper is removed the French chalk on the back of the paper will have left an outline of the letters.  

The process a little further forwards as the south end cab door is similarly treated.

The Cotswold side north end completed.

The Malvern side south end, with "GUARD", "W 55003" and "PRIVATE" now in place.