Tuesday 15th - Very quiet

After a great week in north Norfolk I was looking forward to returning to the Works, especially as Alex had sent me a lengthy email updating me on what had been done, what needed doing, and forthcoming vehicle movements within the Works. The latter includes 2807 coming into the Paintshop for its repaint into wartime black, and after the autumn gala 3850 for further painting.

Unfortunately a bad cold rapidly developed so there was no way I would attend on Tuesday. As such all the photos have kindly been taken by Paul E. It was a very quiet day with just 7 attending.

I usually give Maurice a lift to and from the Works, but with me away he cycled to Racecourse Station and then caught the train to Winchcombe. 

Beginning with MICA van progress, attention is now concentrated on the Cotswold side which is mainly being rebuilt. Some of the old main battens have been retained if they are thought still to be of use. Chris offers up a new main batten.

The next set of planks being primed by Keith.

Maurice helps with the top plank at the south part.

Good progress with 8 planks now fitted.

There are screw holes to fill at the south end of the van.

Another plank being cut by Robert.

Back to painting with another part of the Open C wagon being undercoated. The paint delivery for the Wagon Team had also been picked up from Churchward House, our HQ in the station car park.

Varnishing too with another of TK 24006's compartment doors.

And talking of varnishing, will we get SO 4790 completed before it goes out on Saturday? Richard second coated all the inner window sections on the Cotswold side. This side has had two coats of varnish all over and is now complete.

He then lightly sanded the cream panels on the Malvern side ready for a second coat of varnish. I must get back in on Thursday and get this finished.

It looks like Dave has given Richard and Keith a tour of FO 3127.  Quite a bit of restoration needed here. It will be a lengthy job but it will be lovely to see this coach fully restored with new internal panelling where needed, reupholstered with horse chestnutleaf moquette, repainted in Crimson & Cream and running in Rake 2.