Saturday 4th - Back proper

 The first day back at full capacity after the holidays, and the last operating weekend of the season.

It was jolly cold today, and I didn't envy the hardy souls working out in the barn - James tells Stuart how cold it is! The Cotswold side South corner is coming on well.

Alan wasn't far away on one of the few remaining windows left to weld up.

On the Malvern side Ainsley was continuing with the prep work, it would be good to get most of the sanding done before it enters the paintshop.

By the end of the day James' corner is coming on well.

Also braving the cold was the shunting team who started splitting rake 2 up for winter maintenance.

The tatty RMB was extracted and shunted into the siding alongside the works. This is high up the priority for a repaint, but as we've not finished the FK yet it will probably have to await a slot until after the races.

We also had the pleasing sight of 3 crimson & cream coaches together - not sure if this is a final formation yet, but shows intent anyway!

Brrr, back into the warmth to see what's happening inside. John carried on with the label boxes for the Mica...

A measure up on the solebar to check hole positioning.

Paul (and Maurice inside) were sorting out the bolts on the door hinges, trimming to length.

The FK definitely feels like it's on the home straight now, Dave paints the vestibule ceilings.

Stuart put the passcom back together for a vacuum test which showed encouraging signs.

Dave captured me painting the numbers, I also completed the last main length of lining out, just a few door edges and bits to catch up on. Varnishing will be commencing soon.

Lastly, just Laura up in upholstery, with this rather snazzy moquette she was figuring out the best way to get some bags and glasses cases out of.

This weekend is also Dinmore Manor's final weekend in service, although the above photo is from Thursday when the weather was considerably brighter.

Here it is 10 years ago soon after arrival for her first GWSR steam gala in May, unlined then. Still the same coat of paint, it's lasted well. Hopefully it won't be out of action long, Manors are ideal locos for heritage railways like us.