Monday 8th January 2024

A belated Happy New Year to all our readers!

We are pleased to be able to report that progress has continued on projects over the Christmas and New Year period, even though some of our volunteers have been struck down by the Christmas lurgy.

5643's frames being cleaned and repaintedThe cleaning and repainting of the main frames of 5643 has continued, assisted by the frames being jacked up to release the radial truck wheels which are now ready for despatch for reprofiling of the tyres.

The new drawers for GER No. 5 being stained and varnishedPhil Bell has been producing replacement drawers for Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5, the wood for which has been stained and received its first coat of varnish.

John Davis refitting Fluff's brake blocksPhil and John Davis have also been re-assembling Fluff’s brake hangers and brake blocks.

Members should now have received their copy of the latest edition of The Iron Horse, although some are in the mess room for collection by regular working members. The facility for online payment for subscriptions has made a good start and the receipt of a number donations towards the Trust’s projects is very heartening. Thanks to you all.

Live Steam in action on New Year's EveFinally, our folk group, Live Steam, made its annual New Year’s Eve appearance at the Engine Inn, Cark-in-Cartmel with George coming up from Derby to assist Alan, Tim and Pete. Despite Pete and Tim being under the weather, the evening seemed to go down well with the audience and a useful addition to funds was earned.