December News Part 2

Great Eastern Railway 1899 4 Wheel Brake Third 853

There has been more progress on the door reconstruction. A start has also been made on modifications to four reclaimed W irons (hold the axles to the chassis) which were originally on the underframe currently being prepared for M&GN 129. Both Axeman and Monkey alike have made this their next project, and so far various bits are being welded into position to make the W irons suitable for their new home on the original Great Eastern chassis still attached to 853.

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

The springs have now arrived back from the...err...spring people. They are now in the shed awaiting unpacking and fitting to the chassis project.

British Railways 1955 Mark 1 Suburban Composite Lavatory E43041

Painting has continued to progress and the first coat of Crimson gloss has been applied all round the vehicle this week.

The interior has also progressed well. The biggest transformation has been the fitting of the lino flooring which has made a real difference. This has been done to an excellent standard, having been laid by an outside contractor. With the lino laid, the grills which go underneath the bench seating were screwed down, having been painted up earlier in the week.

Six of the eight compartment ceilings which were featured last week are now painted in cream gloss, leaving only two which still require sanding down and painting. The toilet fitting out continues with the seats now fitted amongst other less important items!

British Railways 1958 Class 101 Railcar Driving Trailer Second Lavatory M56352

Bodywork has started on this "simple repaint" project, as paint does not stick to holes! The front end is one of the worst places for the larger areas of corrosion so has already seen a few areas chopped out and new metal welded in. Meanwhile, surface defects and corrosion along the landward side of the vehicle has been identified and all loose paint etc chipped out so the affected areas can be rust treated.

A corroded vacuum pipe, which was hidden under the driver's desk, is also being replaced by the locomotive department who can take useful advantage to the large access holes being cut into the front presently.

New metal has been welded into the doorway (on the left of the picture) whilst other holes (right) provide access for internal repairs

Metropolitan Cammell 1965 4 Wheel Petroleum Tank 53083

The repainting work to this vehicle has now been completed, bringing the end to the project.

One of the final tasks was the painting of the underframe components into gloss black.

The seaward side solebar has been finished in red and the lettering and symbols picked out in white. Lastly, large vinyls have been applied to the tank sides mimicking the livery carried by the local North Walsham flow when similar tanks were used. It looks very smart indeed and will leave the shed during the next shunt and return to its usual home in the yard as a softened water transporter.