We start this week’s blog with the very good news that Furness Railway No. 20 underwent a successful test run yesterday on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway following repairs to its right-hand front cylinder cover, piston and motion. Alan, Andrew and Sam Middleton made the journey down to Blaenavon to help prepare the loco and to witness the test. The above photo shows a spotless FR 20 approaching Whistle Inn Halt at the top of the line.
The second footplate view is of the loco descending back to Furnace Sidings with Alan centre. FR 20 is now scheduled to operate at the P&BR’s 40th Birthday Celebrations this next weekend on the 26th, 27th and 28th August. It is also due to appear alongside L&NWR Coal Tank 0-6-2T No. 1054 at the Gala on the 8th, 9th and 10th September. Our thanks go to Ryan Pope and the people at the West Somerset Railway who have arranged the repairs.
And while we’re talking about FR 20, we should point out that this very day marks the old girl’s 160th birthday! Happy Birthday!
Back at Preston there is more good news in that the new carpet was laid in Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5 last Friday. 
The photos show the carpet in the two saloons. As you would expect, it makes a big difference to the vehicle.
The previous Wednesday, Anne and Phil Burton had completed the reupholstery of the guard’s compartment and John Davis has completed the upholstery on the last door. There are, however, still quite a few jobs to complete, including the kitchen where our gas fitter is due to attend on Friday.
Finally, work has also continued on the overhaul of GWR 0-6-2T No. 5643 where Jon Dixon is seen suitably togged up whilst removing old paint and rust from the frames.