September News Part 3

Great Eastern Railway 1899 4 Wheel Brake Third 853

This week has seen a real milestone reached in the project to restore our oldest coach currently in works. The last of the leaf springs were fitted into position and a push made on assembling the rubber spring hanging parts which have been refurbished over recent weeks on the bench.

The conclusion of this work meant that the underframe could be lifted a few inches off its stands and then lowered onto its own springs. With the stands now gone the vehicle is what's known as a "rolling chassis" for the first time since the 1920's! Well done to all involved!

In between this big moment the handbrake column and mechanism, mentioned last week, was completed and fitted. The column itself will have to be removed again of course when the body is lifted onto the underframe.

As you can see the process was carefully supervised by one of the Works Monkeys, who have been elusive from these jottings for far too many weeks!

The continuous drawbar and coupling hooks are now fitted into the underframe as well, so it can be coupled to and towed away when we shunt it for the first time!

British Railways 1959 Brake Corridor Composite E21224

Over the past two weeks the steel mesh grills which fit underneath the compartment bench seats have been being cleaned back to bare metal ready for repainting. There are ten of these in total and they are now all done and ready to be primed. This seemingly simple task has taken an individual several days to achieve!

Last week it was mentioned that the roof had received a test scrape to see how easy it will be to strip down. We were informed this week of a slight change to our work schedule this autumn which will result in E21224 in being in the staging area for a few weeks longer than we originally thought. This in turn gives us the opportunity to strip the roof earlier than first planned, and this has now started. The landward side is being tackled first, starting at the Sheringham end and working towards Holt.

British Railways 1959 Tourist Second Open M4843

The bodywork has been fully focused on repairs to the seaward side this week. Lots of small areas of corrosion have been cut out and new patches welded in, particularly around the windows which we have removed.

Other areas have been filled and sanded to steadily progress this side.

Meanwhile, the windows which have removed continue to be stripped down of their old paint and sealant, a long winded job indeed. The six replacement door cards introduced last week are coming along nicely, four out of the six are finished and screwed into position, and now await varnishing. The final two shall likely join them next week. Once again, Monkey was on hand to ensure quality control!

British Railways 1960 Covered Carriage Truck E94464

Body repairs continue steadily. The seaward side is now complete, and the corroded roof at the Holt end has also been similarly treated. This marks the half way point for the welding repairs, with another side and end to complete.

One of the three sheets of glass which had to be removed for the repairs has also been cleaned back to a fine shine and is now ready to refit.

Colman's 1908 Mustard Van 4807

With the Weybourne model railway van now repainted, the same team has been able to return to Holt to tie up the loose ends from the summer. The Mustard Van, which was so close to completion, has now received its striking yellow gloss and is now therefore finished.

Hurst Nelson 1942 4 Wheel Tank 1982

With the Mustard Van complete, the tank wagon is now the only vehicle left from the "freight stock repainting project". Work to repaint the top of the tank which had suffered the effects of the sun is now ongoing, with the intention of finishing it before the weather turns...

Wagon Spares

More cleaning and repainting on the wheelsets in a similar story to previous updates.