Just a short update this week after last week’s photo gallery edition!
We start with Peckett 0-4-0ST Caliban where the last tubes were
removed from the boiler last Wednesday by Ade. Alan and Sam had a trip to
Burscough that same day to retrieve the piston rods which have now been
ground to produce a nice shiny surface. Fred continued his work on cleaning
the outside of the boiler and firebox.
Once more there has been much work on Great Eastern Railway Royal Saloon
No. 5 where Phil Bell has led the way in fitting the new fabric on the inside
walls below window level. Having completed the west saloon, apart from the
doors, a start has been made on fitting out the corridor where Tim is aiming to
complete the varnishing of the wooden panels later this week. John Davis has
been removing and sanding the skirting boards as part of the process ready for
painting. Given the rapid rate of progress in the fitting out of the fabric it is
hoped to start the fitting out of the kitchen before Christmas. This will require
some early presents for the team in the form of sinks, water heater, fridge,
water tank and hob plus a new work top. The internet is being searched to
identify suitable items at affordable prices.
Meanwhile, John Dixon has been repairing one of the brass window supports
and freeing off windows that seem to have been glued stuck by varnish (!)
whilst Sam’s electrical work has enabled a welcome pre-Christmas switch on
of the existing lights in the coach. Phil and Anne Burton continued their work
on the chaise longue.
Elsewhere, Keith has been busy with Wootton Hall, fitting the new ejector
exhaust pipe and the dome cover (Ahem we must get pictures for next week! Ed.) whilst Matt has been undertaking some more welding on the tender tank.
Finally, Alison kindly left us some of her tasty butterfly cakes on Wednesday, which were the left-overs from the RSR AGM the previous evening, where Ade had done his best to eat them! Needless to say, there were none left when Alison popped in to enquire on Friday lunchtime!!!