Apologies for the lack of a blog last week. Unfortunately, Blog Towers 1 was hit by one of those viruses that seems to be doing the rounds and it’s now arrived at Blog Towers 2! Anyhow, that has not stopped others from carrying on the good work at Preston.
The return of the reprofiled radial wheels for Great Western Railway 0-6-2T No. 5643 has allowed the truck to be re-assembled, ready for inserting under the frames at some point in the future.
Phil Bell has made a welcome return after his spell in main works and has fitted some new handles to the drawers in the kitchen of GER No. 5.
With apparent renewed energy after his layoff, Phil has also been lending a hand to remove stay heads on the firebox of 5643.
Finally, Furness Railway No. 20 is due to appear in service at Preston next Saturday with Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5 in connection with Armed Forces Day. Its last turn in operation was on Father’s Day on Sunday 16th June, with Ade driving.