Thursday 23rd - A busy day and some more memories

 A typical very busy C&W day, even though not all our regular Thursday attendees were in.

Continuing on from Nick's report yesterday, the replacement section of skirting on the Cotswold side of RBr 1675 has been cut to shape and is now being checked for fit by Bryan and Rex.

 The upper edge now needs carefully bending to shape.

 Further along the coach, Stu cleans up the edge of another window area.

 At the north end of the coach the welded end of the skirting has been ground down.

Nick also mentioned the proposed strengthening behind the panels using braces. Gerry sets about dealing with this section, taking the relevant measurements while discussing the plans with Nick.

 Measurements taken, the power saw gets to work cutting the required length of tube.

Ken setting up the heavy wood backing for the north end corridor connection. The wood plates will soon be back off and on the Paintshop trestles for priming and painting, though maybe not the centre section which looks complete in black gloss.

 Welders in action.

Progress on the Mogo continues to proceed rapidly. Maurice adds more top coat to the Malvern side of the van.

The weather for the morning was lovely, so it was good to be outside for a while, especially with the yard now looking very full. The 3rd Rake is back in its siding with extra coaches on the left, while the Main Rake on the right had been brought down from Toddington two days before. There were no trains today (mid-week running returns in April), so an ideal day for a walk down the yard.

Reaching the north end with the wide view of the open countryside and Chicken Curve bringing back many memories.

A very different view taken eleven years ago on 17th May 2012 when a group of us had taken a walk along the trackbed to view the progress with the rebuilding of Chicken Curve. It was good to see the slipped section of the embackment back in place and the ballast going back down.

 

[Photo : John Osborn]  John took this lovely photo just before we strolled back to the Workshop and resumed our various tasks. From left to right : Malcolm, John H, Ron W, myself, Ron B, Dave H, Robin, and Rod. Of the group, just Dave, Rod and myself remain. Ron W. and Robin moved away some time ago, Ron B. had to retire, and sadly we lost Malcolm and John H. a couple of years ago.

Back to today and the view towards the Works and station, with Langley Hill in the distance. The open door of TSO 4986 beckons.

Climbing into the coach I found Richard I, working on one of the lights. It turns out that there was a fault in the LED strip.
 

The faulty strip was taken back and given to Steve to investigate.

 A small number of the diodes had ceased to function, as confirmed by Steve when tested.

New ones are inserted and soldered in.

Lunchtime over with the two Richards heading off down the Barn and back to one of the rakes to sort out some more faults.

FK 13326 and the prep work continues, with Jeff, ..............

 ...................... Phil, ......................

................. and Bob, all doing a great job and another big step towards getting this seemingly endless part of the coach's repaint done

On to 13326's doors with their refurbishment nearing completion. Ainsley carefully inserts the new back panel for this door into the slot on the side of the door lock.

 With the back panel neatly in position, Ainsley clamps both sides to the door frame.

 The clamps gently bend the panel and ensure it fits tightly against the door frame.

 The screw holes can then be lightly drilled and brass screws inserted to complete the job.

 

More bits for the Mogo in preparation on the bench being used by Robert.