Tuesday 19th - A quiet day

Just a small number in today as the result of a number of unexpected absences - we hope they are able to return soon. 

A very pleasant surprise was to see Bob back. He soon got stuck into the repaint of the GWR tank wagon 43930, initially wire brushing the light rust patches that had come through the spray primer.

Having already cleared his area of rust patches, Maurice was well into coating them with red oxide.

 Large areas of oxide were gradually appearing as the time ticked by.

Eventually the priming was complete and both Bob and Maurice were painting the metalwork in white undercoat.

One of my jobs was reinstating the grab handles on SK 25488. The retaining straps were also reconnected on the Malvern side north end door. 

Bob noticed a slight hiccup in the coach dimensions. Can you spot it?

Our 1100 break. Ian had popped in to return a borrowed plane. Unfortunately he has had to join the off-work group with a leg injury and it may be a while before he can return.

With some time to spare from doors, Ainsley did some paint removal on the Malvern side of RBr 1675. The hot air gun removed the top layer, but not the stubborn maroon base layer.

A walk to the end of one of the coach lines to capture a shot of the Cotswold escarpment and wet tracks - the rain had at last stopped. 

Then crossing the tracks to obtain a view of both Tool Vans, looking really great with their new paint.

Climbing onboard SO 4798 reveals Dave still hard at work freeing up all the seat backs, cushions, and side panels. The tables will also be transferred.

Looking quite a jumble now, but it will be good to see this relatively recent reupholstered seating transferred to one of our running SOs, to replace its upholstery which has now become shabby.

 

The general kitchen area inside the RBr. I completed the sanding down of the formica and metal sheeted walls, which Pam and I had been doing on Saturday. This is in preparation for the hygenic lining that will be put on.

So what was wrong with the coach dimensions at the north end of SK 25488?

The partially missing number in the overall weight had been painted as a "2". SKs are 33 tons.