Ade and Alan made some good progress in removing the last of Caliban’s tubes from its boiler last Wednesday. Ade worked in the firebox to “encourage” each tube to move forward.
Ade then joined Alan in hauling the tube out through the front tube plate. Inevitably some tubes were more reluctant than others to move!
David Starkie made a welcome return to work last Wednesday after convalescence and is seen here on the right assisting Ed (left) and Phil Burton (middle) on repairs to the chaise longue in Great Eastern Railway Royal Saloon No. 5. Varnishing of the exterior of the vehicle is now complete and all the brass work has been re-fitted. Phil Bell has repaired most of the interior mouldings and John Davis has been cleaning down woodwork in the west saloon ready for varnishing.
Finally, over at Bury, attempts to undertake a hydraulic test on 5643 in order to gain a short extension on its boiler ticket were thwarted by the regulator not holding at high pressure. Keith, John Dixon and Ade were due to go to Bury today to remove and blank off the regulator, a not inconsiderable task since it entails removing the superheater header and steam pipes. We hope that their efforts pay off.