Saturday 18th - Gala prep in full swing

With just a week to go before the steam gala that was very much the focus for Saturday, and at least for me Sunday too hence a brief and short post.

First things first Stuart and I shunted the short BR goods set together and brought it over to our side for exams.

I hopped up to remove the remains of the china clay tarpaulin, and watched 2807 past.

John F of the bridges and photography departments caught me and Stuart catching up with the painting team to see how they were getting on with the discovery coach.

More filling and sanding required.

Next a 'high level' meeting between upholstery and Ian and Tony. Upholstery were on the lookout for some extra muscle...

Next 3 pictures form Jane, thank you

Jane and Ceri pleased with the finished seat back. These are very heavy, hence the request for help, it's a long way down the yard to 21092!

Fitting the side panel

Laura and Ceri testing the fit.

Back in the paintshop although the Mica won't be finished and running we (well alright I) would like to at least have one end and the facing side looking finished for when the public are wandering round while the workshop is open over the gala. To that end Maurice was doing second top coating on the Cotswold side.

While Paul carried on with the Malvern side which is a little further behind.

Outside work continued in disassembling the vanwide's brake gear.

And Dave found a bit more protective work to do on 24006.

Finally for Saturday Robert and Simon review the next steps at the South end of 4798.

Onto Sunday then and with lots of axlebox exams to do at Toddington on the goods train, it seemed like a good opportunity to get the youth group involved. Saved me much time and effort, the hardest part was dashing between the groups to check everything as they flew through them.

Lying down on the job was the order of the day for the Toad as the step boards needed to be taken off for easier access.

It was also a pleasant spot to watch the trains go past, 3850 doing the honours, the wreath in memory of a long time director of Dinmore Manor Loco Ltd (who also own 3850) who very sadly passed away suddenly last week.