Tuesday 16th - The big lift

Just nine of us in today, but a variety of things to keep us busy.

An early start today for the arrival of the transport for the two bogies destined for St Philips Marsh, Bristol for tyre turning. John came in specially early to oversee the lifting and everything went very smoothly. The work will be done almost immediately after arrival and we should get them back in a couple of days time. I'm not sure where they will be used; returned to CK 16221 "Abigail/Charlotte"?

The paint stripping on RBr 1675 continued with Stu, Richard and myself involved.

Some very good progress by Maurice and Tony with the main frame of the GW/SR van. Both the tops and sides of the girders were cleaned up and then given a coat of red oxide.

 

Keith gave the brackets hanging on the hooks a coat of oxide, which soon dried and enabled them to be painted in dark grey undercoat. I'm unsure where these are for (I have probably been told but have forgotten!)

 

Then it was back to the chair. By the end of the day it looked very good with all the old varnish and grime sanded away. A few minor glueing repairs are needed so over to Woodwork on Saturday.

 It was very chilly out but that didn't stop Derek continuing the repairs to the Monster van.

 The corner section is in a bad way, so some dismantling of the metalwork is now underway.

 

Good progress is also being made with the seat swapping between SO 4787 and SO 4798. There is still the seating with the worn moquette to be removed in 4787, ..............................

 ................... but the recently refurbished seating from SO 4798 is steadily replacing it. Dave is doing a really good job with this project.

Despite the very chill wind, the grey turned into blue and became a day of sunshine. The "GWR" lamp bracket on the corner of the Tim Mitchell building, that was made by Pam when she was in the Metalwork team, looks good against the blue sky. In case anyone is wondering where Pam is, as she has again disappeared, the poor girl now has some car problems to sort out - please come back soon Pam, we very much miss you!