It has been all change again in the FRT shed this week with a big shunt around the site on Thursday which has enabled FR20’s engine to be reunited with its tender over the pit and for Fluff (and its associated workforce) to be moved into the warmth of the main shed. They have also been joined again by Caliban‘s boiler.
Most of the crinolines were fitted to FR 20’s boiler on Wednesday and one of the front cladding sheets also fitted to ensure that everything will align with number plate and hand rail fitments. Ed Tatham is seen here fastening one of the crinolines in the confined space under the boiler.
We also feature another photo of Fred sanding down a cladding sheet, just to confirm to daughter Helen (who reads our blog) that he hasn’t gone AWOL and that we are still keeping him busy!
Work has continued on Fluff with Paul Newton attending to a cab seat.
John Davis has been painting some of the fittings.
Outside the shed, the remaining tall lighting column was removed by the Ribble Steam Railway on Wednesday as it was no longer required.
We are pleased to be able to record that there is a welcome appetite by our volunteers to work over the Christmas period and so the following working party dates have been arranged:
Wednesday, 23rd December
Monday, 28th December
Wednesday, 30th December
Friday, 1st January
Finally, the Trustees wish to thank all members for their support during what has been a very difficult 2020 and to wish everyone an enjoyable festive period. We also remember those very frustrated members who, because of the pandemic, have been unable to participate in the Trust’s activities since March and look forward to seeing them again, hopefully in the not too distant future.