A very mixed day both in and out of the Works as our Santa season kicks off for this year. It was also very mixed weather with the rain quite heavy at times and then drifting into dry spells, when if the train wasn't in, we could nip up to the griddle tent on Platform 1 and grab a bacon or sausage bap. Alan had the Full House again, which is a bap with bacon, sausage, burger, cheese slice, and onions.
The Youth Group were also in, under the care of Alex, Richard and David, and having a thoroughly enjoyable day working on the Mink D, and even helping out with the bogie swaps in the Barn and yard.
An early job (when the rain was the heaviest) was getting a barrier set up on Platform 1 using some of our gala viewing area stands and chains. This was one of the few spells when it was dry.
Simon continues the reconstruction of the toilet compartments in the north end of RMB 1876 and making a very good job of it.
Martin was doing more of the catching up with the top coating on both the south end doors and corners.
Chris and Robert removed the worn out footstep under the Cotswold side centre door.
Bob busy giving the south compartment ceiling a light sand prior to undercoating.
The Upholstery team re-covering in the red Chainlink moquette the armrests from 1876 that were worn and scuffed.
Alan repairs the metal panelling at the north end of 1876 where the passcom equipment was seated.
Chris drills out the rusted broken bolts in the step supports.
Ken is using the magnetic drill to bore out the bolt holes in the connection U frame for the north end of 1876.
Alan's repaired sections.
Paul vacuums the ceiling in the servery area.
Another new back panel, this time to replace the broken one on the Cotswold side south end door. Pam carefully applies wood dye to the light edge sections.
Betton Grange was on Train 1. The damp weather certainly provides some great steam and smoke effects. The engine is moving to the south end of the train ready for the return working to Cheltenham.
There was a lot going on in the yard with bogie swaps. Ian and Clive attach the heavy bogie puller to the back of the 03.
[Photo : Alex] As for wheeling out the bogies from under TSO 4763, the Youth Group guided by Alex were more than happy to assist and I imagine really enjoying the experience.
TSO 4763 up on the jacks with bogies removed.
In the siding RBr 1672 now stands where 1675 stood prior to becoming operational in Rake 1. The poor old coach is well due for a rest and eventual refurbishment.
Phil is preparing a new section of pipework to be fitted under RMB 1808 in Rake 2.
I eventually managed to get a sausage bap - well actually two as this was my lunch, and the GWSR does make exceedingly good baps. On my way back to the Works two photos looking north, the second being one of my favourites - the goods platform with a fine collection of vehicles, the Usk goods office, and that lovely tree. The wetness and distant mist over the escarpment makes for a very atmospheric scene.
With the planned top coating on the Malvern side north end of 1876 abandonedbecause of the metalwork repairs, Tony reverted to more filling on the Cotswold side of SO 4798.
Pam finished off the final two heating covers from 4798. All can now be returned to the coach and refitted.
All the seating tops from 4798 have been cleaned and can now have a fresh coat of varnish. The two toilet compartment shelves are now fully painted and ready to go back in (1876 or 4798?). Finally the new step for 1876 has been primed ready for undercoating.
The new door back panel for 1876 with its first coat of varnish.
Prior to the repairs on 1876, Alan completed the repairs to the south end of BSK 35308.
An excellent job. He deserved that huge bap!
Andy continued his efforts on the left side of the double doors on the Cotswold side of 35308, sorting out the extent of metalwork repairs that will be required.
[Photo : Alex] The Youth Group spent most of their time on the Mink D van. The jobs undertaken were wire brushing the underframe, taking the axleboxes apart and cleaning up bolts. It's great to have this group going again and getting youngsters involved - they are our future!
Maurice cleaned up two metal panels from the Mink D. Both were primed with Red Oxide and then undercoated in Dark Grey.
Paul (and Maurice) were back with plank removal.
The trolley was soon filled with the contents ending up in the fire pit in the FOWSMD garden.
With "Foremarke Hall" failing its boiler extension, we are very fortunate in being able to obtain "Pendennis Castle" which we had for our 2023 steam gala. Some quick work by our Loco Department enabled it's return from Chinnor to Didcot to be diverted to Toddington.
"Betton Grange" drifts into Platform 2 with the penultimate Santa train and comes to a halt, making an excellent photo opportunity.
A Castle and a Grange with wreaths of steam in the cold damp air. What more could you ask for?!
A brief chat to Clive before "Betton Grange" departs for Toddington.
"Pendennis Castle" makes ready to run round its train, ready to return the last of the day's Santa visitors to Cheltenham. 3850 will be taking over the second Santa train after this weekend, with the Castle and the Grange running during the week after Christmas.
Years ago I joined Alex on the last run back to Cheltenham. The atmosphere on the train was amazing with so many happy families on board. As we set off with the empty train to return to Winchcombe, Alex handed me a broom and said to help him sweep up it through! ☺
Thanks to Rose who supplied the decorations and Jenny who set them up, we have a very Christmassy Mess Room. Thank you both! ☺
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