The day unfolded under hot, dry, dusty conditions, with only a small team on site but plenty of progress made. To start the day, the engineering team took an early works train using Gilbert the Hunslet and a flat wagon on the mainline from Powdermill Cut all the way towards Gnome Hill, trimming back overhanging growth along the river side and cutting the long grass on the upper bank.
It was a Mills Open Day, and two passenger trains ran, carrying, as ever, lots of visitors. Numbers were slightly down on last weekend, yet the yard tours drew encouraging feedback and added a welcome bit of interest to the day.
Back in the yard, work continued on the replica 18” powder wagon, now wearing another coat of red and starting to look sharp, though still needing at least one more layer. Nearby, the restoration of the Dough wagon saw steady attention: the corroded brake‑standard casing was removed and replaced from spares, the metal ends were cleaned and primed, and white undercoat began to go onto the timber bodywork. New roof panels were positioned and marked out for accurate drilling.
A jammed axlebox was finally persuaded free from a spare wheelset, giving the railway a complete set of four spares ready for future use. Fabrication also began on new metal end‑panel fixings for wagon B10.
Freshly made “mind your head” signs and Wickham plates arrived for fitting to the carriage head rails and the new trolley, all neatly 3D printed. A replica works plate, also a new 3D print, hinted at the next major project taking shape behind the scenes. Electrical installation work continued in the new container, pushing that job closer to completion.
Despite the heat and dust, multiple projects moved forwards thanks to the determination of the small team on site.
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