With disruption caused by two Bank Holidays and a visit to Didcot to fit in, the blog has lost its regularity. Apologies, but here is a summary of the latest happenings.
Furness Railway No. 20 successfully completed the last of its nine steamings at Didcot on Monday, 1st May. For this weekend it was paired with two Great Western Railway coaches of a more modern vintage than previously.
John Dixon and Sam joined Tim on the 1st May to prepare FR 20 for its forward movement to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. This included loading the coupling rod that had been acquired for No. 4979 Wootton Hall.
Sam then received it in the tender.
Back at Preston, last Wednesday saw Caliban’s cab being fitted onto the frames courtesy of Ribble Rail’s recently acquired Road Rail Vehicle (RRV).
Once this had been achieved, it was time to remove 5643’s cab roof.
And then the tanks.
Back in the FRT shed, with the tanks removed, Keith has been cleaning oil and grease which is now accessible.
Sam has been cleaning the firebox top cladding.
And Ron Crowe has been polishing the injector pipework.