It was one of those satisfyingly busy days on site where every corner of the railway seemed to have something happening. The generator was topped up with 100 litres of diesel first thing, setting us up well for the day ahead, while our trainee crew members completed their fourth full training session under guidance.
Over in the top yard, the rescued 18‑inch gauge wagon (having now dried out after its swim in the canal) was moved down to the entrance of Workshop 83B, where it received a thorough internal and external wash. Once cleaned, it travelled again but this time, along with a short panel of 18‑inch track, to a spot beside 83C, (the new Museum) where it was set up as a display piece. The rail clamps salvaged from the track that once held the blue coaches proved unexpectedly perfect for securing the wagon in place.
Trackwork continued near pointset no. 7, the one leading into Shed 83C. New sleepers were inserted directly beneath the rail joints, and several existing sleepers were lifted and packed. With luck, these improvements will help reduce the recurring issues we’ve had with the fishplates in that area.
Inside the carriage workshop, progress on the Dough wagon moved another step forward. The new timber upright is now fully bolted in, and the roof frame has been refixed to the wagon body. With only a new roof left to fabricate, the wagon is edging closer to the cosmetic repair and repainting stage. Also, the brakevan continued its transformation. Both sides are now fully lined and lettered, and work is advancing well on the south end, including the distinctive wasp stripes. Elsewhere, repairs to various workshop tools carried on steadily, and the petrol leaf blower was successfully commissioned, ready to help clear paths and platforms as we approach the new operating season.
All in all, it was a productive day with strong progress across the board, thanks to the hard work and steady effort of everyone on site despite being a little chilly and damp – typical early spring day.
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