Friday 28th August 2020

A day or four late this week due to other distractions, so apologies for the delay.

Keith dismantling brake gear on 5643Work on 5643 has continued at Preston with Keith dismantling more brake gear under a much cleaner locomotive after all the recent work between the frames.

Phil Bell further dismantling the brake gearPhil has then been further dismantling items and cleaning them.

John Davis and Fred Jones socially distancing whilst cleaning 5643Fred and John Davis had another cleaning session on the right hand frames on Friday and are seen here dutifully observing the yellow distancing markers on the floor.

John Dixon repairing studs on FR 20Work has also continued on FR 20 where the removal of all the spring hangers for machining has allowed further cleaning and painting of the frames to take place. John Dixon is seen in a most inelegant pose repairing the blastpipe retaining studs – we suspect he won’t be thanking the photographer!

Time also to reflect on other work that has been going on in recent times.

One of FR 20's lamp bracket convertersJohn appeared after the Covid lockdown with some homework, a couple of lamp bracket converters for FR 20 for such things as DO NOT MOVE signs.

The firebox cladding starting to go onto Wootton Hall Keith has fitted the first piece of firebox cladding on Wootton Hall, carefully allowing for the attachment of the four cone ejector.

A rejuvenated gardenFinally, Ed appeared the previous Wednesday and did a splendid job in putting the nearby garden to rights after it had suffered some lockdown dereliction.

Working parties at Preston continue on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.