August News Part 4

Great Eastern Railway 1899 4 Wheel Brake Third 853

This week the guard's letter rack has been completed and mounted onto the wall. The item is an interpretation of what was likely to be there based on evidence found on the wall. The rack has been made from reclaimed parts and has the correct style for a vehicle of this vintage.

Great Northern Railway (later M&GN) 1887 6 Wheel Third 129

Welding has continued to progress whilst the "W irons" have all received coats of black undercoat to ready them for fitting.

British Railways 1957 Mark 1 Tourist Second Open E4641

Work has focused on the mechanical completion of the vehicle. All four repainted wheelsets have now been finished and refitted into the two bogie frames. The surrounding brakegear has all been connected up once more heralding the completion of the bogie overhauls. Ceremoniously on Friday, the coach was lowered back onto its bogies, all being well for the last time during this overhaul.

British Railways 1955 Mark 1 Suburban Composite Lavatory E43041

It has been a week of woodwork restoration. A team of three have tackled a huge pile of interior trim, veneered panelling and door surrounds, all of which require the dreaded varnish stripping and sanding prior to re-varnishing. Not a very exciting task to report on I grant you, but a large segment of the interior restoration. A select portion of the interior "window grippers" (which hold the glass in place to the bodyside) have been bleached and are now being varnished up with several coats. These window grippers are already nearly complete, which should allow glass refitting to commence on the vehicle.

British Railways 1958 Class 101 Railcar Driving Motor Brake Second M51192

This week has been painting week for the DMU. The first few days were spent working in a circle around the vehicle coating the bodysides and doors in a sort of pea-green undercoat. The comment was made that this disgusting shade should be lined out and put into service, but we had to decline! The latter part of the week saw topcoat applied in a repeat of exactly the same process, which has now been fully completed.

As a bonus, the guard's van floor has also had a repaint to freshen its appearance. Next week should see a few minor "trimmings" painted (such as exhausts, handrails etc) as well as an effort to get as much lining and lettering applied as possible before the vehicle is swiftly taken from us during the Steam Gala and put back into daily service.

British Railways (LMS Design) 1949 20 Ton Brakevan B950133

The footboards have now been gloss painted on the vehicle, which concludes the "mid life overhaul" undertaken at Holt during finer days. The vehicle is now back in service and looks wonderful. Well done to team Pete for taking it on and keeping the lowly freight vehicles looking nice! This van should be in service in the demonstration freight set and can be enjoyed during the gala this weekend.

Ken Barker

We sadly had to say goodbye to Ken Barker this week, who had decided that he's getting a little advanced in years for this game. Ken has been helping out for many years on the vintage coach restorations and was a valued member of the team that most recently produced the M&GN Picnic Saloon. Ken will be greatly missed, but no doubt will be welcome when he comes back for a cuppa, a chat, and a trip on the vintage set!

Next Week's Update

Due to holidays, the update covering next week's activities will not be published on Friday, it will be somewhat later and likely to be on Tuesday (8th). However the railway is having its Steam Gala that weekend so there should be plenty of action to satisfy people's appetites until the Blog of choice catches up!!