Tuesday 9th - Wagons, coach, gala, etc

A busy day considering we were only a small group as it was a Tuesday. For the freight gang it was too wet to continue with the refurbishment of the LSWR wagon at Broadway, but there was plenty to do in the Works.

Beginning with the MICA van, with the metalwork repairs completed on this corner, Robert is rebuilding the underlying wood frame.

The MICA door frames made by Steven are being primed by Maurice.

On now to progress with the Open C wagon where various parts, having been stripped off, are now being cleaned up by Ian.

The next step is painting with green primer.

A bin full of bits from the Open C wagon to be cleaned up.

Paul removes all the old hardened grease from the axle box covers.

Derek was lucky with the weather and during a lengthy dry spell was able to carry on with the repairs to the Monster van. I captured him carefully trimming up the new boards recently fitted.

The "lakes" have reappeared after a night of heavy rain. In the middle ground is the trolley being loaded by myself with the yellow stands for the gala viewing area at the end of the Barn. Being a very long open vehicle, the Monster van makes an excellent store.

Gala prep is worth starting early as there is always a lot to do. Various items ready for both inside and outside the Works have been stacked against the Paintshop wall. The displays will be brought in on Thursday when all this is set up and the Works made ready for our 3-day Diesel Gala which kicks off on Friday.

The Hayles Halt seat has been brought into the Works, making it much easier to fit the new planks.

And yet another set being primed by Keith. Not sure where this seat is from.

Alex completes the cleaning up of the vacuum cylinder started by George on Saturday.

A coat of black MIO completes the job.

The top of the piston also receives a coat.

Dave in the process of fitting more oak pelmets inside 1675's saloon, this time on the Malvern side.

It will be good when we can begin varnishing in here. The oak will really glow with 3-4 coats.

The oak continues into the serving area where Chris is fitting a new section.

Robert continues the job later in the day.

Pam was back in the servery and completed all the painting in the Executive Light Grey. This just leaves the back of the door to do in this colour and then the base sections of the counter in Silver Hammerite. The facing edges of the main shelves will be finished off with varnished oak.

All the covers for the heating pipes are being sanded with a mix of 120 and 240 paper. It's a lengthy job doing each one properly, but they are coming up well, making the effort very worthwhile. Each will be coated with sprayed clear laquer.

Martin completed much of the black glossing at the north end of the coach.

Richard worked on the quarter doors where some extra work had been done.

Once the filling and sanding had been done, Light Grey undercoat completed the job.

It's 5.30 and time to clean up, get changed, pack the bags .......

......... and enjoy a cup of tea with biscuits, a doughnut, or whatever goodies are around. It was about 6.30 when the last of us signed out and locked up.