Wednesday, Thursday 14th & 15th - Two rather cold days

 As the title suggests 'rather cold', in fact on our way in on Thursday the car thermometer registered -12C.

In the workshop the heater worked overtime to make it comfortable, although use of Oxy/Acetylene and Mig welding did help in providing a bit more warmth.

Our part of the Cotswolds certainly caught for it this time.

Not so much snow, just very very cold.

I assisted John H. in the removal of a serviceable hook assembly, it was persuaded with a very large spanner and a sledge hammer.

Meanwhile back in the luxury of a heated workshop, Colin looks surprised.

Geoff likewise is enjoying the warmth, he is busy setting the power saw for floor battens in 1675.

I know 1675 is taking the headlines on most blogs, this was the first action on Wednesday morning. What was left of the buffer plate was gas/axed, this left us with a lot of cleaning up.

This by far the safest and easiest way to lift the new plate into position. The plates are tailor made by South Devon Engineering, this being the second one we have done. They really make a first class job and fit perfectly.

Bryan and Rex are just making sure its in the right place before welding.

Bryan is notching the end to fit around the Z section. The outer edge must be spot on in line with the crash pillar, the repair piece will then line up perfectly vertical .... always the old saying measure twice, cut once.

John H. made it back to the workshop with the removed hook, a very cold metal mass.

Thursday, our second full on day .....

The first event being the arrival of a container, which will become home for our electricians, Richard 1 and Richard 2 and Steve of course.

Its new home.

An impressive piece of artwork on the delivery truck.

First job for the metalwork team, start fitting the repair crash pillars. These clamps make it much easier to get them lined up.

Gerry is making roof repair panels, Rex has now moved along the vehicle and welds them in situ.

I am not sure what these are off, but Ken is cleaning threads on some large bolts .... its always busy in this part of the workshop.

I dashed through to the paint shop before they all started work, Jeff and Phil with woolly hats and gloves.

Bob K. sanding and getting ready for another coat of varnish on 16221.

Its all woolly hats today, even I had one on. Ainsley and a door from 1675.

Roger making yet another door panel.

We have recently acquired two old lockers for welding and metalwork consumables, Derek Kindly offered to make some extra shelves.

Gerry and Rex bending roof panels, and doing a great job.

I'm not sure what this wagon is called, (This is the Elk! -Ed.) but that's where the previously mentioned hook is going with assistance from Ian S. 

A reminder of the view from the back door.

A view of The North Pole aka. Winchcombe.

Finally, Phil and Jeff applying varnish to 16221.

It was a bit frantic getting round everyone, but I think I have mentioned all.

It will be another 2 day slog next week, watch this space.