Saturday 22nd - Nearly spring, nearly steam

 It was the last weekend to get everything sorted before the beginning of the new running season, with services beginning 1st March. It also felt like Spring might be not too far round the corner too, as it was quite a pleasant day weather-wise.

Which was just as well as the shunting team had a lot to do to put rake 2 together. First move of the day happened to be to put all 4 crimson and cream coaches for the rake together. This was just temporary for now but I couldn't resist the shot.

As the sun broke through proper there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, Chris and Robert come out to watch proceedings.

Definitely appreciating the nice new bright livery in the sun. These 3 definitely are staying together, looking south there's a choc & cream RMB before the last crimson coach for now, but plans are in place to steadily work through replacements for the rest of the rake this year.

All important on a big shunt is to have a signalman who's on it, John certainly had to work today to keep up with it all, but signalmen tend to like all the unusual moves, much more interesting than just an ordinary day.

One of the last moves to take a few coaches from set 3 off the end of the now formed set 2, Tony pulls the buckeye chain as Andy gives the signal to pull away.

There was god progress with wagons today too, starting with the Mica, Robert and Chris continued the woodwork fettling, with all the roof edging bits done as far as can be until we get the canvas on.

After the test fitting of some of Nick's new steps, we realised the bolts needed some larger washers behind to firm everything up. Maurice on the outside...

And Paul on the inside.

The wheels also got painted black. The springs have now been taken away for refurbishment.

We were missing one of the retaining pins for the springs so John kindly turned us a new one.

The Open C also saw good progress, Ken virtually completed the through pipe with the second elbow joint.

Cutting the last bit to length.

Dave caught me with the mag drill drilling the holes to bolt the hinge straps back on. Here lining up for the next hole before drilling.

More or less ready for some timber now, although we still need to get that dodgy wheelset out and sort the seized buffers. There was some talk about getting it in the currently empty barn for a bit (ok mainly talk by me...)

With the RBr in the paintshop, it was time to get cracking with that again. Dave worked his way along cleaning dust off and Bob followed behind with the first of the topcoat, doing the chocolate band along the top.

A few bits still needed undercoat and Jeff did the honours here.

Robert also took a look at the end corridor door which wasn't closing properly - I think it is now.

It was a hive of activity in upholstery with several new members, judging by the moquette I'm guessing these were seats for 4798.

Speaking of, Alan was inside 4798 fitting various bits of wooden trim in the North end saloon. I later followed on with some woodstain. A splash of varnish and this saloon will be nearly finished and ready for tables/seats refitting.

At the South end there's still lots of metal work going on. The lower panel below the toilet window was badly warped, so the decision was taken to replace it. Stuart drilled out the door hinge to provide access.

James soon had the wobbly panel cut out, and provided the photo to prove it.