Wednesday 15th - Heavy metal and other stuff

 The title says heavy metal, the buffer plate is rather heavy so we like to have at least 3 of us to lift it into place. Before this can happen an enormous amount of effort goes into preparation of the chassis sections and surrounding areas. This inevitably means door pillars, cant rails and sections of roof.

Bob and Steve looking pleased with themselves, the new buffer plate is correctly positioned and once clamped and welded, the missing crash pillar will be positioned and welded. 

Prior to fitting Bob is priming every chassis surface.

Not yet fully welded, but sufficient for the other structural sections to be fitted. Our aim is then to prevent any water ingress and provide drainage, this was never a consideration when built new.

Meanwhile in the office Eve is recording all maintenance and service information.

Next door in upholstery, a pair of re- covered Diesel Loco seats waiting to be returned to Toddington works.

John is upholstery team leader and is cutting foam for a seat set being re-furbished for Dean Forest Railway.

Tom and Geoff, Tom is the tall one and Geoff is one half of the chuckle brothers, two of the carpentry team ...... at the end of tea break ..... come on there's work to do.

David looking very industrious in the workshop.

....... And some of the finished product going into 1675.

Stuart is contemplating a corroded piece of steam pipe which has been removed from the 'Sheepshead' .... I can report the gas hammer on the bench made short work of it.

A bit of team work in the woodwork shop.

Yet more bench work, and windows for 1675, Tony and Bryan  preparing for re-fitting.

Not too many to go .....

Rex inside 1675 fitting previously mentioned window frames, its beginning to look like a Mk1.

And finally Ainsley making more adjustments to a door fitting for 1675 ...... still lots to do.

Watch this space!