Apologies for the lack of a blog last week. The main blog computer decided that it had become tired of life and has had to be replaced. Needless to say, it is never as simple as that, with hours being spent re-loading and organising the software! However, this has not affected the work at Preston which (fortunately) tends to be a little less sophisticated!
Great Eastern Railway Royal Saloon No. 5 has again been devouring considerable labour as efforts are made to bring this lengthy project to a conclusion, hopefully at some point this winter.
Most of the interior mouldings are now back in place and repaired by Phil. John and Ed meanwhile continue to clean up the woodwork, John on hands and knees in the former royal lavatory (a posture which somehow feels appropriate?!) and Ed in the kitchen. A short planning meeting took place last Wednesday with Alison to determine the future catering requirements and fitments required to bring the kitchen are up to modern standards. A preference for the remainder of the internal fabric decoration has also been determined – needless to say, it was the most expensive in the catalogue. Another round of measuring is required to ensure that we do not over order!
Outside, Tim has completed the final coat of varnish apart from a couple of panels which need some further attention. The windows on the south side and both ends have been cleaned externally and the brass door trims polished for the first time in many many years.
John Dixon has been fastidiously re-fitting the highly polished door knobs and handles, adjusting where necessary to ensure correct functioning of the door locks.
Sam has continued his work to re-install the lighting in the coach, seen here wiring up the light fittings.
Elsewhere, Keith has been applying some protective paint to the cladding on Wootton Hall, which has required some team working to remove and re-fit the pieces. Ade has been re-assembling the inside motion on Caliban.
Finally Live Steam had a successful gig at the Engine Inn at Cark a week last Friday and have been invited to perform there again at New Year’s Eve. Tim and Pete went on to perform the following day at the premises of the Ulverston Brewing Company for the exhibitors at the Barrow Model Railway Exhibition. Again, all seemed to go well and they already have a song request for next year!