Fine, warm weather and plenty of sunshine made for an ideal Wednesday on site, and the usual mid‑week team got straight to work.
A section of fencing beside the weir had been broken open, so two of the team set about repairing it with heavy‑gauge wire, making sure that any future attempts to breach it would be far more difficult. Meanwhile, fabrication began on new external security bars and staples for the doors of Shed 83C, adding another layer of protection to the building.
Elsewhere, the morning was spent tackling the long‑standing pile of miscellaneous material outside ARS2. Everything was sorted methodically into “keep” and “discard” categories, and by lunchtime the area was finally cleared.
After the break, the site’s JCB was brought into action, and the team loaded the bucket first with scrap metal and then with scrap timber, all of which was taken to the appropriate disposal points around the site. Only the plastic debris and general rubbish remain for Saturday’s session. Painting work continued on the sea-mine, and workshop tasks progressed steadily throughout the afternoon.
Then, at half past three, came the moment everyone had been waiting for: a lorry rolled through the gates carrying a newly‑acquired RNAD wagon chassis and, perched proudly beside it, Tinkabell – a 3.5‑ton, 30hp Ruston & Hornsby LBU diesel locomotive built in 1956 for RNSD Copenacre, part of the CAD Corsham a great match for our collection of ex-military locomotives.
What a little beauty. Compact, purposeful, and full of character. Despite her age, she arrived in operational condition, needing mainly cosmetic attention and a thorough service. Her Cold War heritage, underground service history, and distinctive proportions make her a particularly special addition to the site.
By half past five everything was packed away, the site secured, and the gates closed behind us by a quarter to six. A long day, but a hugely productive one and with a delightful new arrival to show for it.
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