Thursday 7th - Celebrations all round

It certainly was a day of celebration beginning with two more of our staff attaining 15 years service and receiving their certificates and badges.

Many congratulations to Bob K and Ainsley.

Moving on to some of the activities taking place. I was busy for most of the day with the Bubblecar so apologies for the small number of photos and to those I missed.

Firstly into TSO 4867 where more work was being done by Alan and Roger on the internal window framing.

A very neat job with some nice new frame sections.

Later in the day the header tank was taken out by Phil, Paul W and Bob M. Phil now checks the tank for leaks. It is essential to try and get this done in the early stages of coach restorations and major refurbishments.

Some of our vehicle-based storage is undergoing an overhaul, with some of the very worn seating being ditched. This batch is in very good condition and being given a good vacuuming before being relocated.

I think Nick was the only one working on RBr 1675, here welding another new crossbearer.

Alex spent some time undercoating more of the inside of the FOWS Toad 's veranda.

Bryan and Ainsley were drilling holes in the new metal panelling on CK 16221 to reinstate the grab handles by the two Malvern side second class doorways.

 One reinstated earlier by the north end first class doorway.

This was the final day of working on the Bubblecar as it will be shunted out on Saturday. Alex cleans up the Malvern side following the reinstating of the final batch of windows on Sunday by the CDRG members.

Bob K. completed the varnishing by second coating the roundel panels, and then proceeded to gloss black the steps and sole bar. Our initial remit was just to repaint the main body of the vehicle, but we felt we couldn't release it with prominent parts left unpainted, especially as 55003 will be on display along with green liveried Class 37 D6948 and blue liveried Class 26 D5343 in the forthcoming Summer Diesel Gala at the end of the month.  

The completed Cotswold side.

Then we looked at both ends. Paint-splashed pipework and other scruffy bits? No, it's not going out like that, so some fairly rapid painting and most of it was done in the time available.

The north end, and a big improvement here too. There was more that could have been done, but where do you draw the line? And time had run out. 

We had been left a very kind message from the CDRG members who were in on Sunday. 

Thank you chaps - it's been a pleasure to be able to help out

It certainly has been a day to celebrate.