Another long but worthwhile day on site, cooler than recent ones and mostly overcast, but at least it stayed dry. With a small team in, we made steady progress across several jobs and kept things moving from first light through to locking up.
The morning began with a reshuffle in the workshop: Gilbert, Chris H (Hunslet no. 4)and Tinkabell were moved out, followed by locomotive Hunslet no. 15, giving it the space needed for the next round of work. Using Chris H, the Moes locomotive was then relocated from the turntable road to the display siding in front of Hunslet no.5, ready to benefit from temporary shelter once it arrives.
Painting continued outside ARS2, and gloss top-coating carried on inside the museum building. The Wickham trolley took a big step forward as both end panels were drilled, fixed into place, and the timber panelling received more undercoat so it finally looks like a complete vehicle is taking shape.
Mid‑afternoon brought the arrival of a very large lorry carrying three pallets of new sleepers from the Richmond Light Railway. Unloading was straightforward thanks to the JCB, but finding enough space for a fifty‑foot lorry to turn proved more challenging. After some careful manoeuvring, it was achieved ….. Just.
The highlight of the day came with work on Hunslet diesel no.15. The sand reservoir was cleaned out, and the engine oil, water and fuel filters checked. With a battery and boost pack connected, the engine astonishingly fired on the very first turn of the key. A bit smoky, but running and sounding good. Even the air compressor came to life immediately. Cab controls were then stripped down for inspection, and most of the gauges proved functional. Loose paint on the bonnet and cab was also stripped back to prepare for future repainting work.
A productive day throughout, with real progress made and a satisfying milestone reached with no.15.
> View - All Entries in September 2026 | Most Recent Entries | All Diary Entries