Saturday 3rd - A quiet start but not for long

The day began with a large group heading for the station to catch the first train and ride in the RBr. Bacon baps were very much in mind for some of them. It is often said that while we do all the hard work, we don't get to travel on the trains enough, so it's good to take some time out occasionally and reap the benefits.

So a relatively quiet start, although the peace was soon shattered as James got going on his rebuilding at the north end of TSO 4867.

The replacement panel has been cut out using the plasma cutter. James now cleans it up with the grinder.

Nicely welded in along with the curved sections and ready for a coat of red oxide.

George has returned to his job cleaning out the cracked rivet line. All this will be treated with red oxide and then filled with fibre paste.

Simon, working on floor repairs in 4867, prepares another piece.

Robert and Phil in discussion as Robert finishes off another piece of internal window frame.

Quite a large number of internal frame pieces have been made for 4867.

All window pieces are being coated with wood preserver, which soon dries allowing each to be given a coat of varnish.

In the background the main pieces of frame have now had two coats of varnish. In the foreground all the freshly made pieces of inner framing have had their initial coating.

Phil screws an electrical connection to a freshly painted patresse.

Phil paints Silver Hammerite on the ceiling light fittings and the cover plates.

In Upholstery Jane and Laura are making moquette spectacle cases.

Peter is maintaining the interlocker. His knowledge of sewing machines is a real boon to the team.

Andy resumes a job he started some time ago, repairing heras fence panels for the Construction and Maintenance Department.

A smile from Jenny as she cleans the wash basin in the changing room.

Dave contemlates his jam doughnut and cup of tea while displaying the 2027 calendar and cuddly toys being sold for the Churchward County Trust who are building 3840 "County of Montgomery".

On now to progress with SK 25451 beginning with Ian checking the south end and ensuring all the filler is completely sanded. Some minor cracks directly under the roof were filled with sealant.

The patresse was also given some sealant to prevent wet getting behind it.

At the north end Maurice cleans up the base of the connection and then works on the headstock.

Phil sets up the top line tape on the Malvern side, and then proceeds with the bottom tape, getting the north half done. 

Graham flats down the cream section on the Cotswold side.

Bob undercoats the gutter panel while at the far end Graham adds a second coat of Undercoat Cream. 

The Cotswold side is beginning to look good.