A small midweek team was on site, and the heat hit us from the moment we arrived. Painting carried on inside shed 83C, while the Dough wagon went back on the rails so the last bits of bodywork can be tackled once the lifts are moved. The generator was refuelled using the long hose straight from the diesel tank, which worked better than expected.
Most of the day centred on helping our visitors from the Steeple Grange Railway as they prepared the 18‑inch gauge Ruston (Budleigh) ready for its trip north to its new home with them. The time was focused on sorting through the spares brought up from the Mead at the weekend. The JCB was put to work moving the main gearbox parts onto a pallet and loading another pallet of spares into their van, which apparently protested under the weight. The JCB then lifted the rear of the Ruston up so the displaced wheelset could be put back underneath and the axleboxes reassembled, making the loco movable in one piece. The visitors also had a go with Tinkabell, and as Ruston enthusiasts they were suitably delighted.
The workshop water tank was refilled, and the leaking pump on the main diesel tank was swapped for a new unit. A line inspection followed to make sure tomorrow’s trains can run safely; the recent realignment work has held up well in the heat. Later in the afternoon I headed to the far end of the site for a productive meeting, and the crew closed up around half past two.
Despite the relentless heat, it was a good, steady day, and everyone worked hard from start to finish.
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