Tuesday 11th - The gleam is back

Just 11 of us in today, but it was certainly a busy one, particularly now that the pressure to get TSO 4986 completed has increased.

Many thanks to Paul and Robert for extra photos.

Maurice applies more white undercoat to the south corner of the MICA van.

The top planks on the Cotswold side of the MICA van were removed by Robert and Chris. Something gone wrong? No - having been put on as part of the general rebuild, the temporary removal will enable the long lengths of wood to be fitted that will provide support for the new roof canvas.

While Robert carefully eases the next support spar through the saw, Chris uses a prodder to help keep it in place.

Two of the new support spars now primed by Keith, who was already busy top coating the ceiling light fittings and applying another coat of varnish to the chair destined for BCK 21272 (will be great to see this loan coach running during the new season).

Chris and Robert test fitting the support spars prior to priming.

[Photo : Paul]

[Photo : Paul]  Maurice rebores one of the MICA bolts to clean up the hole for the split pin.

With Maurice helping inside the van, Paul tightens the bracket securing the vacuum pipe.

[Photo : Paul]  Later in the day Maurice is undercoating the wheels, supports and brake rigging.

A quick catch up on the Barn projects. Firstly the completed roof repair done by Alan on Saturday at the north end of RMB 1876.

Just two main windows left to reinstate on the Cotswold side of SO 4798. Out of sight to the left the toilet compartment window is still under reconstruction.

Ainsley cleaned up the glass and then repainted the metal tops of two door droplights.

[Photo : Paul]  The little electric sander was ideal for completing the job.

During the morning I received an email from Ian to say that 4986 has to be shunted out on Thursday 20th as part of the rebuilding of Rake 2. Gulp! So not so much time left after all to complete the partial repaint.

Richard began his day finishing the tidying up of the cream section on the Cotswold side and then moved round to the Malvern side to do the same. This particular job is a compromise only with the limited time we have, but it has been worth the extra effort and will improve the overall repaint.

It was good to see Roger back, which enabled some more extra work to be done on both ends of the coach. The result of both his, and Keith and Jeff's efforts last week, have considerably improved both ends which were incredibly dirty.

[Photo : Paul]  Right, time to start varnishing - not much time left and two coats to put on. So first a light sand of the main crimson section with 240 paper. Paul catches me working left to right on the south half of the coach. This was followed by the cream and top sections. A careful wipe over with thinners and then ..........

......... Richard begins varnishing from the left.

[Photo : Paul]   Another photo from Paul catches both Richard and myself. I started varnishing from the centre door, working towards the north end.

[Photo : Robert]  Robert catches me just about to start on the north end door. Almost there!

Good to see the gleam back on the Cotswold side. On Thursday it will be the turn of the bottom section. Then onto the Malvern side before returning to this side for the second coat.

So, a good start on the final stages but will we achieve it all in time? Or is some overtime on the cards again?

With his photo now up on our memorial wall, Bob Mac, a great guy who will be forever remembered.