Saturday 3rd - Mostly Mica

 Turns out it's been two months since I wrote the blog, and it seems I'm out of practice as I missed out loads of work.

My main focus today was the Mica though, as we're making the most of the excellent access we have whilst it's in the paintshop without a coach. Today was the day to finally fit the newly fabricated handrails. John and Maurice from below and Paul from above bolt them into position.

One hole on the frame where we'd previously let in some new metal needed drilling out so the mag drill was deployed, Robert captured what seemed to be an unnecessarily large number of people involved in operation!

Paul captured me up the scaffold with some big screws for the top connections.

Meanwhile Chris and Robert were making some extra end bits to help secure the canvas, the template of the end profile helping them.

A test fit was required, but I was still in the way on the scaffold, oops! Be done in a minute guys...

Out the way now...

Maurice and Paul (behind the camera) soon swung into action finally getting the lower planks on.

Paul also captured me doing a bit more painting.

The look at the end of the day, and despite all the fights this wagon has given, the end might just be in sight - but sadly not quite in time for the gala. No sense in rushing these things.

Outside progress on the discovery coach continued apace on what was a lovely warm sunny day. Dave paid attention to the insides of the doors, which spend most of their life sat wide open.

Pam and Bob also joined in

While Phil made a start painting the roof.

4798 continues apace with Ken doing more work on the South end.

Simon was making floor bearers, a slow and fiddly job

But he's getting there bit by bit.

James and Andy were continuing with the lower metalwork at the South end, cutting some new pieces to weld in

Welding done, James stands back as Andy grinds it flat.

Suspension set up on the RBr is in full swing, as John and Ian debate the next steps. In the background the weedkilling wagon is back over the pit where Clive continued to free up the brake gear.