23/10/22 – It’s our party and………

So we have made it through our open weekend, unfortunately a few last minute issues meant we had to alter what was on display and a goods train was unable to run.

So preparations continued and Monday I was on site moving some of our demonstration loads.

Madge’s box trailer was filled with parcels from “theatrical van one”, also known as B852838 to give options for possible variations for display.

This was followed by the sorting of the shop supplies, moving from our vehicle used as a dumping ground AKA B850498. Into the former loco shed shop now our Palshock.

This was followed by parking the trailers ready for the weekend and an excuse for some images and yes, Madge has had a little accident although we are calling it a more prototypical feature.

I also applied some logos to the chargers on the Tug support trolley, this is to identify which charger is for what vehicle.

Back at home, Wilbur was fitted with a new heater control valve, the last one sprang a leak during testing last weekend.

I did have an assistant but they weren’t particularly hands on.

Next was to update the depot allocation, originally we allocated him to Loughborough Central Parcels Department. Now we are more appropriate;

On to Wednesday and a day of shunting. First preparing Quorn, moving Test Car and associated vehicles in to the North reception. This was a joint effort between ourselves, Carriage and Wagon, with D4067 and the Ops department with 37714.

This was followed by a trip to Swithland Sidings to assemble the wagons for display and returning to Quorn behind Standard 2 78018.

My mode of transport to Quorn was none other than Wilbur, and in preparation for the weekend we moved a few vehicles in to the marquee.

Preparations continued Thursday, with filler pieces manufactured for the stairs to allow easier access into the test car.

We also set up the Marquee for our selves and visiting groups stalls and information stands.

Then a delivery from our good friend James Littlewood who has loaned us his Diesel Scarab for the weekend.

As well as some time to add a second coat to the Red Star Brute and the beginning of the final detailing.

On to Friday, and despite the rain, we continued with preparations.
Dave and Richard preparing and positioning our information displays.

With a gap in the weather, we loaded the BRUTEs from the box trailer

Once loaded I completed the painting of the BRUTEs, adding those all important details.

Followed by a touch of tidying of the yard and positioning vehicles in our 1960s yard scene.

Saturday morning thankfully the rain cleared as we made final preparations for the start of the weekend.

We welcomed the following groups :-
DCRT “Windcutter” Group, Bluebell Railway Wagon Group, National Wagon Preservation Group, Mid Hants Railway Wagon Group, Nene Valley Wagon Group and the Heavy Tractor Group.
Jerry, Danny and the L70 were on display along with Andy Everetts Leyland/DAF Roadrunner Emergency Response Vehicle, and Barry Littlewood brought his Austin Van and E-Type Jaguar.

Saturday evening we treated our guests to fish and chips and even made time for a spot of wagon loading.

It was really great to welcome so many visitors over the weekend and thank you to all who attended, participated, donated and purchased. We enjoyed ourselves and we hope those of you that attended did also.