Monday 1st April 2024

It’s no joke! It’s the 1st April and we are already a quarter of the way through 2024!

Fred's collection of booksFirst of all, we would like to thank the family of the late Fred Jones who have generously donated Fred’s considerable collection of books to the FRT. The books have now been sorted into size and stored on the recently acquired shelves in the mess room whilst we take stock of what we have. A wonderful gift.

Ed working on 5643's cab roofThe overhaul of Great Western Railway 0-6-2T No. 5643 continues with Ed taking the opportunity of some fine weather (is that really blue sky?) to work on 5643’s cab which is outside the workshop.

John Dixon busy with 5643's motionJohn Dixon unexpectedly finds himself the subject of yet another photo whilst attending to 5643’s motion.

Keith removes another stayMeanwhile Keith has been applying some heat to remove one of the firebox stays.

Sam preparing joints for Caliban's valve covers. That is quite some protrusion from his neck!Sam has been preparing new joints for Peckett 0-4-0ST Caliban’s valve covers.

Tim applying a second coat of undercoat to the left hand of Wootton Hall's tender tank.Tim has been applying a second coat of green undercoat to the left-hand side of Great Western Railway 4-6-0 No. 4979 Wootton Hall’s tender tank having, after the first coat, decided that the tank side needed considerably more work to repair indentations.

Second coat of undercoat green drying in the shedThe result looks far more acceptable.