For the first time since April our focus has been upon a wagon. The wagon in question Ferry Tank 500817.
With last week’s under coat dried, black gloss was the order of the day. All hands on deck as Nick, Ross, Dave, Richard and I applied paint to the barrel.
This was followed by a final tidy and hoover of the sole bars.
Quickly followed by application of underframe black to the sole bars and head stocks
The plates manufactured were also fitted after a layer of gloss was applied to the interfaces.
Ross’s attention was diverted to the repair of the through air pipe. This had rotted through at the north end. New pipe was cut to length, threaded and fitted
Brake standard and hand rails were also painted. With the outer rail receiving white. Once dry the OFF lettering was picked out.
Vacuum swan necks were painted and new hoses and vacuum dummies fitted.
We also began the last body work task on the Living Van, the cleaning of the windows.
Our Palvan Shock has also arrived from Loughborough for welding to the donor chassis.
On to Sunday, with the tank once again taking the focus. Richard and Jake continuing with the gloss and underframe black.
Dave looked at the cat walks. Fitting the previously manufactured walkways with J bolts. This replaces the prototypical wooden planks which are just a rot trap.
Speaking of wooden planks however, Nick trimmed, drilled fitted and primed new step boards.
Ross continued his through air pipe repairs replacing rotten pipe at the southend of the vehicle.
My focus was on the continuation of the window tidy. Even Michelle, the wife, lent a hand.
I did take a break to paint the air cocks and hose ends.
In to the afternoon Ross assisted with the final push on the windows and Dave applied Gloss to the ladders and assisted Jake and Richard
Nick also refitted the couplings
That leaves us with the Mess Van ready to return to Quorn and sign writing and some small details to complete the tank.
Next week however we are returning to Quorn as we need to prepare for the coaches arrival / our return. Our Scarab also requires a service as we near the Railways at Work gala. Of course, as always, we’ll keep you up-to-date next week.
Quorn Wagon & Wagon 