Not the best weather today, rather overcast with a few moments where it looked like the rain might set in, though it actually stayed dry until everything was packed away. It was a Public Open Day, so we ran four trains and each carried a steady number of passengers, 89% of those who came on site rode the train and had a tour of the Railway Works.
The operating crew handled the trains and guiding duties, while the rest of the team pressed on with the ongoing task list. The main line points were all lubricated and eased, and new roof panels for the Dough wagon were cut and positioned. A bit of tidying was done around ARS2 before the old 18‑inch‑gauge wagon turntable was moved under cover in 83A. Measurements were also taken for the roof span in shed 83D so we can work out how many panels will be needed once the walls are complete.
With the Dough Wagon nearing completion its time to start the restoration of a new wagon – therefore, Bishopton wagon B9 was brought out of store in 83E, and preparatory work began on the two end panels. One of the team, who happens to be a trained panel beater, demonstrated how to re‑profile the aluminium edge trims back to something close to their original shape a surprisingly satisfying job.
Elsewhere, steady progress continued: the Wickham trolley had all its floorboards trimmed and fitted, and preparatory work for the lighting installation moved forward in the new container.
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