We seem to be having a long run of good weather, though still with that chilly moderate breeze. The yard and car park on the station side of the Works had clouds of dust swirling about.
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Once again thank you for the kind compliments after the postings. In particular to Malcolm for the correct terms for the internal panels under the windows (dado panels) and bogie tiebars (bridals).
Richard I has provided a very comprehensive reply to Roger's query about the type of batteries displayed for use on RBr 1675.
These are the Trojan 6V 390Ah L16G-AC batteries which have been removed from RMB 1876 whilst the carriage is located in the workshop for refurbishment, and subsequently fitted to RBr 1675 for the 24V led lighting circuit. Having in the past tried several iterations of battery (both wet and gel) to replace the old BR style cells, these batteries have proven extremely reliable since inclusion on our catering carriages 5 years ago.
The battery dimensions are such that the 4 will fit lengthways into the one battery box. The second battery box houses the Victron Phoenix Smart IP43 24/25 (1+1) charger.
You are correct in that the lithium batteries on the other side supply all the kitchen equipment.
Richard
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Now on to Saturday's activities. Not quite the very big attendance of last Saturday, but still numbering 22 there was still plenty of activity throughout the day.
Beginning with 1675, Alex starts black lining his lettering. This makes all the signwriting really stand out.
Varnishing has also started, though currently limited to working around Alex's areas. Bob initially lightly sanded with 240 paper and then applied the first coat to the large kitchen/pantry/servery section and then the south end section. The former still has to receive the BR roundel, but this will have its own coat of varnish, before the main area is given its second coat.
Alex was later seconded to the Dirty Gang to help with the bogie work in the Barn and then began sorting out the MICA's new roof canvas, but still had time to begin the black lining on the Malvern side.
Simon brought his completed boot scraper stand to be painted. A correction regarding its final destination - the railway chair boot scrapers are now sold at Broadway Station shop, no longer in the Coffee Pot at Winchcombe (think this was because of lack of space when the chiller cabinet was introduced).
First job by Pam today was to give the stand a light sand all over.
Then a coat of primer. On Tuesday we will undercoat.
John is busy fabricating some new striker plates although they will have to be of steel as we have no available brass.
Almost complete with just the screw holes to drill.
Laura was on her own today, but doing an excellent job making another of the very popular bags. The moquette is folded and pegged ready for stitching.
Keeping on the upholstery theme, the seating in one of the compartments in BCK 21092 is now looking decidedly worn. Ian, Steven and Dave H. (the coach's owner) were steadily extracting the various components and loading them to the trolley. The main cushion was later to be seen in Upholstery ready for re-covering.
Now to look for Paul and Jenny. However a walk through the train didn't find them.
While helping Dave H. take some heavy steps to FO 3127 on the near side of the yard, Paul greeted us from above. He and Jenny were cleaning inside CK 16195.
On now to metalworking with James continuing to train Andy. While James presses the shaped piece of sheet metal tightly against the connection support pillar, Andy on the other side carefully spot welds it in place.
James now explains how to do a continuous weld along the join.
With the weld done, the next step is anglegrinding it flat.
Around the end to the Cotswold side where Alan is doing a little more welding and then grinding on the rebuilt frame supporting the toilet compartment window.
Later in the day James continued working on his rebuilt corner, grinding more weld flat.
By the end of Thursday Bryan, Gerry and Rex had installed the final compartment window - the black sealant will be trimmed back next time.
A big welcome to Vic who has joined our Metalwork team and is investigating the south end of RMB 1876.
Ken was battling with the south end corridor connection, which judging by the force of his hammering, was putting up quite a fight.
At the north end Alan was cutting off the bottom foot of panelling to reveal, as strongly suspected, the corroded connection support pillars.
Although planned to be the next coach to repaint in crimson & cream, the decision to get the ends sorted out first was a good one.
The Heritage Group's rebuilt goods office with the sown lawn, the tree and the LNWR van make a lovely scene. In the background P&O waits with the Toddington Broadway train. In the foreground Ainsley inspects one of the doors for the van which is in need of repair.
A close up of the right hand door. I'm afraid the sun caught the camera.
P&O comes by with its train.
In the Barn Ian is raising the end of the north bogie from SK 24804.
Returning later to see that the south end wheelset has been removed. The north end wheelset has been similarly removed from the south bogie.
The swap has been done. Alex has now been roped in to help. Ian and Stu ensure that the axleboxes are correctly positioned as the bogie frame is slowly lowered.
Now it's the turn of the south bogie.
Job almost completed.
P&O is captured through the van frame on another Cheltenham bound train.
Progress with the Open C wagon with Maurice filling some of the pits in the cedar planks.
Paul carefully grinds clear patches in the paint ready for Alan to weld on the hooks used to tie on sheets.
The pile of primed and undercoated planks continues to grow.
One of the tie hooks welded in place.
Alan grinding the latest welding.
With the previous area used for plank painting now taken up by the wagon bring moved further into the Workshop, Maurice has moved into the Barn to continue priming and undercoatng.
With most of the heavy floor planks now in position Paul goes round placing the bolts.
In the Woodwork shop the top sections of the heavy wooden plates that form the support for a corridor connection, along with the gauge.
The last train of the day hauled by the green Class 37.
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Sunday 6th Saul Junction
To finish off, a brief interlude on the Gloucester - Sharpness Canal at Saul. Another busy Sunday at the Cotswold Canals Trust shop, with almost 200 visitors and only a little quieter than the previous Sunday where we had over that number.
Towards the junction and Gloucester.
Towards the road bridge and Sharpness.
The Trust's electric powered boat that can be hired for trips in either direction.
The pirate ship. Originally intended to become a cafe at Gloucester Docks but was refused permission, it is now being converted to a holiday home for some children with special needs.
A large barge passing by on its way to Gloucester.
The junction becomes very busy at times so there was certainly plenty to see. including narrow boats, occasional barges, rowers and paddleboards.
The home of R W Davis & Son, ship and boat builders.
Looking back towards the Cotswold Canal Trust shop and the roadbridge.
The junction with swing footbridge and the Canal & River Trust building, from where the bridge is controlled.
The stub of the Stroudwater Canal to Walk Bridge on the Whitminster Road. One day, hopefully only a few years away, boats will enter here and be able to travel to Brimscombe.
The restored lock gates at the stub of the remaining bit of the Stroudwater Canal to Framilode and the River Severn. This section will not be restored, but the lock here has been set up as a museum display. A small section at the beginning of Framilode is still in water and lovely to walk by. The entry lock from the river is now buried underneath a private garden.
Thanks for the battery explanation.
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