Under Inspection

Yesterday started cold but sunny, this was one day we would have liked to be working on the sunny side of the carriage. Alan and Justin arrived early and got stuck into finishing the side. While all panels had been attached most only had a few screws. Alan had obtained longer screws which gave a better grip in the poorer timber. They proceeded to add extra screws to each panel, replacing some but not all of the shorter ones in the process.

Kevin arrived to find the end of the car was still damp. Timber dries slowly on these cold mornings particularly when the sun doesn't touch it. He dried where he could so he could continue with the undercoating and painting the headstock. He was able to attach the buffer and cover later in the day.

When Jim arrived he prepared the table area for lunch after giving everyone the news we were expecting guests. Paul arrived later loaded with sufficient food for everyone.

When Justin and Alan finished adding screws and after a cuppa, Alan and Jim applied a little undercoat to all areas where bare timber had been exposed. By this time Paul had the BBQ alight and was preparing lunch.

We have fortunate to have a former carriage works expert available to us to advise and assist us. Wayne visits us occasionally and is always welcome. Today he brought his former boss Bill and a couple more of his mates. They had a good look around and then joined us for lunch. Over lunch we discussed our plans as well as getting some good feedback.

When the food was gone Bill and Wayne continued their look around passing on valuable information as they went. The van was opened for inspection and to pack away a few things from the exhibition. We discovered a broken rope on 683 so Alan and Jim replaced it.

After our guests departed we finished cleaning up the site and headed off home. An interesting and fruitful day.

As always click on the pictures for a larger view and then are other images in the gallery. Over 120 photos are there now, click on the link on the top left.