Starting to Look Good

Yesterday represented a major step forward in our restoration of 547. For the first time we started to put things back together. Attaching the side cladding means we are now returning the carriage to its complete condition.

Justin and Alan arrived early and started to measure out the sides and plan their attack. After marking the correct position the first sheet was put in place. By this time, Kevin, Paul and Jim had arrived and David got there just in time to see the panel go on. Justin had the honour of driving the first screw.

By the time Paul had lunch ready, another great BBQ, three panels were in place. By then we had realised there was a small problem. Although the frame at the top and bottom had solid timber the area in between is of varying quality. Often a screw would go straight in to the timber and not bite, longer screws were required in this area. We were using the size recommended by the timber manufacturers and they worked fine on good framework but not on the poorer parts.

David and Jim left early but by the end of the day all panels were in place, the side was completely covered. We will obtain some more suitable screws to complete the job, in the mean time enough screws were used to make the sides secure.

We need to attach cover strips and other trim later. The sheets arrived with undercoat already applied, we will touch it up in places where it was cut and around the screw holes etc. It is covered with plastic at the moment.

While all this was going on Kevin continued on with the end of 547 in between assisting on the sides, some of the headstock was undercoated but one side was still wet from the recent rain.

The only downside to the day was the discovery that 1539 is leaking badly. The tarp has been a problem on this carriage before. We patched it last time but this time the tarp has ripped around the vent. Nora has suggested using old tyres to support the tarp over the vent and a new tarp is being sourced.

Well done to everyone who helped on the day. There are some more photos in the gallery. It was a great event to finally be putting the car back together.

Calendar Update

There has been a change to the dates for workdays. On the 24th of this month we will have a stall at Windsor Crafts Markets so there probably won't be a workday. We will be promoting the Hawkesbury Model and Hobby Show that is on the following weekend. As always any help on the day would be appreciated.

The End of 547

No we aren't finished it but we have been working on one end. The metalwork has been cleaned and painted, timber work repaired and undercoated. Work is progressing to plan at the moment.

The aim for today was to continue the headstock work we started last time and to plan the fitting of the side cladding. Kevin with help from the rest of us continued on with the headstock. Justin and Alan worked out how the cladding will be attached while Paul and Jim did some paperwork for the Hobby Show.

We had another great BBQ lunch thanks to Paul. These lunches will be a regular thing now, $5 all you can eat is a good deal. One neighbour of the four legged variety joined us and although a little shy seemed to enjoy the sausages.

Some pictures have been added to the photo gallery of today.

Next week the workday will be on the Monday which is a Public Holiday. We intend to fit the sides so anyone who can help please be there. Lunch will be available as usual but if you can let us know you are coming it will help with catering.