Today was the first of the four days of the World famous Cheltenham Festival, with Friday being Gold Cup day and when we run all three rakes. I read that the daily attendance at the course had been reduced to 66000 to improve comfort levels for racegoers.
Classic Hospitality who hire our trains over the four days will no doubt have had a total sell out again. The trains are always well filled with happy racegoers who cheerily wave back as we watch the trains go by.
The first train with 3850 hauling Rake 1. I didn't judge the shot very well with the light on my phone screen - maybe just as well with that faded first coach!
2807 follows twenty minutes later with Rake 2.
Six crimson and cream coaches; just one to go to make the seven. The seventh will probably be the very faded maroon SK 25451, which can be seen behind 2807 in the previous photo. All three rakes have been boosted to eight coaches.
During the morning Robert appeared with a dustpan full of the new buffer extender saddles. All beautifully made, note that only one hole has been bored. The position of the two bolts in the metal receptacle can vary, so the second hole is bored accordingly.
When fully painted, one will be used immediately to replace the old battered one at the south end of SO 4798. The rest will also be fully painted and stored ready for use as required.
The four new shelves for the centre vestibule in 4798 were varnished on the backs by Keith. The centre doors have been locked out of use and as such the two entrances will be used to store cups, saucers, plates, cutlery, etc, when the very popular Afternoon Tea events are being run. They were a total sell out last year, so being able to expand the event into both FO 3132 "Mary" and our new SO/FO 4798 should cater well for the expected number of participants. I booked early this year and managed to get on the one being held next Sunday.
The four new heating pipe brackets made by Nick last Wednesday are having a coat of Silver Hammerite.
Meanwhile it was business as usual on the Malvern side of 4798 with Ainsley preparing for more window undercoating ...........
........ and Stu continuing the filling and sanding on the south half.
Ian went round the sole bar, cleaning off the old transfers and giving it a good wire brushing. The latter included behind the bottom of the coach side. Red Oxide was applied where necessary.
More rebating underway with another of the new planks for the Mink D van.
Paul attaching the planking at the north end top section. From outside the Mink D is really beginning to look like a van again.
Rose proudly looks out of the flourishing greenhouse. She has done amazing things with this whole area as can be seen both above and below. The table and chairs will make a lovely lunch time venue when the summer arrives - they have already been put to use on a recent warm Spring day.
Comments
Post a Comment