It was a rather strange day on site, beginning under overcast skies with warm, sticky conditions and a couple of rain showers shortly after arrival. Although the usual Wednesday team was slightly depleted, plenty of progress was made across a range of projects, alongside some seasonal housekeeping tasks as preparations for the winter months continued.
One of the first jobs of the day was to protect some of the railway’s more vulnerable exhibits from the weather ahead. The Mars boiler and the replica 18-inch gauge powder wagon were carefully covered with tarpaulins, ensuring they will remain protected throughout the winter period. At the same time, work resumed on the Wickham trolley, where attention was focused on correcting the troublesome wasp stripes on the south end. The remedial work proved slow and detailed, requiring patience and careful finishing, but the results are now looking much more satisfactory. Further improvements to the Wickham were made as clear varnish was applied to the under-seat panels and the north end of the vehicle, helping to protect the recently completed paintwork and bring the restoration another step closer to completion. The transformation of the vehicle is becoming increasingly apparent, with the fresh colours and detailing now beginning to give a real sense of how the finished restoration will look.
Much of the day’s mechanical effort centred on Hunslet No. 15, where work continued on reassembling the brake gear. What appeared at first to be a straightforward refitting exercise developed into something of a wrestling match, with components needing to be assembled more than once before everything aligned correctly. Persistence eventually, after three attempts, paid off, and by the end of the day the brake gear was successfully back together and another important milestone in the locomotive’s ongoing restoration.
Elsewhere, paint brushes remained busy as work continued on the interior painting of Museum Shed 83C. The steady application of paint is gradually transforming the building and bringing it closer to becoming a more brighter and welcoming display space for visitors next season.
After lunch, attention returned to the end-of-season housekeeping. Hunslet Gilbert and an RNAD flat wagon were taken along the line to collect the nameboards and benches from both station platforms. These items were then transported back and stored safely within Museum Shed 83C for the winter, ensuring they remain protected from the elements and are ready for use again when the operating season returns.
Work also continued on wagon B10, where further preliminary preparations were made for the roof installation project. At the same time, fabrication work began on a pair of steel mounting plates that will eventually support the magnetic flashing beacons on the roof of the Wickham. These small but important components will help complete another aspect of the vehicle’s refurbishment.
The Dough wagon also moved another step closer to completion. Further work on the replacement timber buffer beam continued throughout the day and the project is now approaching the finishing stages, with the end finally in sight after many hours of careful craftsmanship.
By the close of play, progress had been achieved on virtually every active project around the railway. From winter preparations and restoration work to locomotive repairs, painting and fabrication, it was another full and productive day that demonstrated how much can be accomplished through teamwork, persistence and a shared commitment to improving the railway.
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