All external roof vents have been
grit blasted and powder coated grey ready for fitting at a later date.
The interior ceiling vents have also been grit blasted but will be painted
later once the correct ceiling shade of cream has been determined from
research.
The first of the two engine radiators has been re-assembled with new
stainless nuts and bolts. A nominal pressure test will be applied to
ensure no leaks are apparent followed by fitting back onto the railcar.
Production of the eighteen replacement valance panel wood frames is
in hand. These will then be clad with galvanised sheet steel and fitted
below the main frame to cover the mechanical components, engines, radiators
gearboxes etc. etc..
The laborious task of replacing the original plate glass of the window
top lights in the passenger saloons with safety glass is now in hand.
The sourcing of replacement brass screws damaged while dismantling the
window frames has also been resolved.
The first of the two engine radiators
has been re-assembled with a successful pressure test to ensure no leaks
are apparent. The cast iron top and bottom tanks of the second radiator
were in very poor condition. On dismantling, holes and flange damage
due to age were discovered and they have now been extensively refurbished
to correct this corrosion. Re-assembly and pressure testing will follow
soon.
Due to unfortunate delays to the completion of the birdcage coach restoration,
the planned entry of the railcar into the carriage shed has now been
put back to Easter 2008. Once inside, the railcar will remain until
the restoration is complete as a combined railcar team and carriage
& wagon project. Therefore speeding up the final restoration and
ending a rather long project duration of some 20 years.
The production of the eighteen replacement
wood frames for the valance panels has now reached number fourteen.
Only four to go!
On the south side engine, the transmission shaft assembly including
bearings was unfit for further use. A fully refurbished prop shaft has
been fitted. This includes new bearings and universal joints.
We are repairing the metal cowling fitted around the south side radiator
and this will be fitted very soon.
We are looking forward to the railcar being in the shed by the time
of the next issue of “The Tenterden Terrier”. Initially the bogies will
be overhauled together with the wheel sets before we are able to focus
on the bodywork.
Finally, please consider your financial
support for the GWR Railcar Appeal ensuring funding is available to
progress the restoration. Our aim is a 1st class project that the Railway
owns and will be proud to use in public service.
GWR Railcar Project
Planned Working Dates - January to December
2008.
All dates are Sundays.
January – 13th & 27th.
February – 10th & 24th.
Note: 16th/17th & 23rd/24th February are “A Day Out With Thomas”
events.
Only volunteers and paid staff who have had a CRB check are allowed
to work anywhere at the Railway on these specified days. There are no
exceptions.
March – 9th & 23rd.
April – 6th & 20th.
May – 4th & 18th.
June – 1st & 15th & 29th.
Note: 7th/8th & 14th/15th June are “A Day Out With Thomas” events.
Only volunteers and paid staff who have had a CRB check are allowed
to work anywhere at the Railway on these specified days. There are no
exceptions.
July – 13th & 27th.
August – 10th & 24th.
September – 7th & 21st.
Note: 20th/21st & 27th/28th September are “A Day Out With Thomas”
events.
Only volunteers and paid staff who have had a CRB check are allowed
to work anywhere at the Railway on these specified days. There are no
exceptions.
October – 5th & 19th.
November – 2nd & 16th & 30th.
December – 14th & 28th.
The planned entry date for the GWR Railcar into
the carriage shed will be during the period Easter to June 2008 and
it will remain in the shed until the project is finished.
The railway will again be running open days to give our visitors the
opportunity to see behind the scenes. These are Sunday April 6th 2008
and Monday May 26th 2008. We intend to be in attendance to show our
visitors the railcar, explain the project and possibly recruit more
volunteers.
Andrew Webb 7th January 2008.
