Apologies for the absence of a blog recently. As many of you will be aware, FR
20 has been away on its holiday to Didcot and that has consumed many hours
of our time.
So, for those of you who haven’t been following social media elsewhere we
have the following photos taken over the last weekend.
First of all, FR 20 was coaled up in the old fashioned way from the Didcot
coaling stage on Saturday for the second time. Difference here is that the coal
was watered before despatch to prevent dust. There is video elsewhere of the
first un-watered effort!!
FR 20 worked the “Branch” on Sunday, offering the opportunity for a photo alongside the broad gauge replica Fire Fly.
The trainshed also produced an atmospheric shot of days gone by.
Sunday afternoon and evening was taken up by an organised photo charter.
This involved some physical exertion for Tim!
As can be seen, FR 20 looked very much at home in the shed.
Back at Preston, John Davis has grouted the tiles in the kitchen of Great
Eastern Royal Saloon No. 5.
Work is well advanced on preparations to enable 5643’s tanks, cab and bunker
to be lifted as part of the 10 year boiler overhaul. John Dixon is seen giving his
all in releasing the nuts securing the right hand balance pipe.