Tuesday 16th May 2023

With a busy weekend with FR 20 at Blaenavon approaching, there is just time to squeeze in a short blog, albeit a day late again!

5643's superheater header is carefully eased out of the smokeboxWork has continued apace in the FRT shed at Preston on dismantling GWR 0-6-2T No. 5643 and cleaning its components. The superheater header was removed last Wednesday.

Ron Crowe cleaning one of 5643's steam pipesRon Crowe is seen cleaning up one of the steam pipes.

Shiny cupboard doors in GER No. 5There has also been progress with the restoration of Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5 with the kitchen starting to look ready for business. Both work tops have been installed and the kitchen cupboards given their final coat of varnish.

New sinks and tap installed in GER No. 5's kitchenThe sinks and Phil’s new tap have been installed.

Keith wires up the new water tank for GER 5 for Phil to testWe now need to install some running water. Phil is seen testing the new water tank with assistance from Keith.