Author: Matt Baker

Well it’s 2023, what happened to 2022 and what did we accomplish?

The building of a shed for our Road vehicles.

Tornado hauled the van train, with the train receiving an HRA Morgan award for preservation

B763305 received 2 new doors and a west side repaint.

B780282 received a new chalkboard, two new side sheets and a west side repaint

B779978 a new side sheet and a west side repaint

B850498 a new side sheet and a west side repaint

B854782 a new side sheet and a partial west side repaint

B786348 a new side sheet, a west side repaint, roof repairs and a new roof sheet

B777171 two new side sheets and a west side repaint

B784409 three new side sheets and a west side repaint

B852838 a west side repaint

B783082 a west side repaint

B777728 a west side repaint

B854097 and its Caledonian chassis were repainted

B765272 had 2 new doors fitted a full repaint, roof repairs and a new roof sheet

B781908 was transferred to us becoming rail vehicle 100

Vehicle 101 arrived number 5209 and received brake overhaul and a repaint as well as 2 replica Esso plates, more on that below

3711 also had a brake overhaul including a new train pipe and a paint, again more on that below.

We repainted a 16T Mineral from the Windcutter group into a NCB livery for pairing up with the Class 10 at Rothley

Bogie Bolster D B928135 received overhauls to brakes, bearings and bolsters as well as a complete repaint

B954546 received a new stove and stove pipe as well as completion of the internal repaint.

While sister B954268, after 4 years of waiting, went to Rothley to have its damaged wheel sets removed for modification to receive new tyres and currently sits on accommodation wheelsets.

Also all Oleo buffers on the van train have been removed and overhauled, although we are awaiting the return of 784409s

The VW LT35 was redecked

The L70 had a temporary exhaust repair

Jerry arrived and was repainted

Zsa Zsa arrived and was repainted

Hector arrived in a non-operational state, was repaired, and repainted

As well as Lilibet who received a new wiring loom and a repaint

Tom arrived

As did Kiki

A horse dray,

and a Scammell trailer from Killamarsh Central station.

Danny went yellow and had a replacement clutch

One of our small trailers became a high side fitted with the tug chargers

Mine and Jacks 25ft trailer became 15ft

Our second Railways at Work

and our first open weekend, where we got together with friends from a number of other railway wagon groups.

We assisted the Great Western Society with a piece about Colico Containers, C&W with a Brake Open, and the Nene Valley Railway with their new Scammell box trailer.

A flag pole was raised, and we talked to the Leicester Area group of The Friends of the Great Central Mainline.

However, we received serious damage from high winds, lost 2 tins of green paint a scraper and a mug.

That’s 20 rail vehicles, 7 road vehicles 2 trailers and 5 arrivals awaiting work, what a year.

Not finished yet however, lets talk about last week.

Tuesday and final touches to 5209, Nick and Ross carrying out a roller bearing exam.

Once reassembled the covers were painted Yellow then some areas tided up with Black.

Painting of the Esso plates for me, using enamel paint to the correct 1960s Esso Pantones.

Wednesday and with 5209 complete it was replaced in the shed by 3711.

Dave and I sanding the barrel. Whilst Nick, Tom, Dan and Oliver, tidied up the main frames.

After manufacturing brackets, Ross and I positioned the Esso plates and tack welded them, using the plate it’s self as a guide. Top brackets first, then with the aid of wood and ratchet straps the lower brackets were brought into position.

Plates then removed for the final welding, followed by prime both to the new brackets and the back of the plates, the plates then receiving a Gloss.

Next task the removal of the west side rotten tank support side plates. After dressing, replacements were manufactured.

Thursday, and the manufactured plates were welded on by Ross, farmer welding as he puts it.

I popped into Quorn to remove the angle iron floor from the soon to be no longer long trailer.

Then once I arrived at Rothley it was on to undercoating the tank and prime and undercoat the front of the Esso plates.

Airfix kit anyone?

Friday and a split group.

Nick, Mark, Thomas,Tom, Dan, Oliver and Charlie, scraping and preparing the inner frames and the wheel splashers of 3711, the splashers receiving primer once done.

Ross and I at Quorn, removing the coupler from the long trailer. Once removed, a template of the bolt holes was manufactured and new holes drilled using the head rail as position reference.

We then made our way to Rothley, Ross spraying the prepared areas and I glossing the Esso plates.

New Year’s eve and a split group again. Nick, Ross and Thomas at Rothley applying the gloss coat to 3711.

Quorn for me, raising the Scammell coupler to its new position.
Slowly and carefully winched in to position and the bolts fitted.

With the coupler fitted the centre floor supports were fitted as well as angle irons to support the headboard. Ross came back from Rothley and made the “no turning back” cut.

A little tidying required but we now have a 15ft trailer and just over 9ft of spare frame to go into the Killamarsh Trailer

With the light failing, that sees the end of 2022, Nick and Thomas went in on New Year’s Day to apply white to the lamp irons, handbrakes, and Yellow to the axle boxes. We will as always let you know what’s been happening Next Year.

Happy New Year from us all at Quorn Wagon & Wagon.

First as is the custom at this time of year, Merry Christmas, our usual end of year review will follow this update then it’s on to 2023. What better way to celebrate than working on wagons, on to Monday, and a Scarab day as 5209 had not fully cured to accept topcoat. Three fronts as we battled the Scammell tasks on the list

Ross stayed in the warmth of the mess coach with sewing machine, leather, wadding and thread. Sorting the upholstery for Lilibets seats, with Dan who I had given the task of identifying the Killamarsh Trailers running number, flecks of BR Crimson and what looks like British Road Service green but unfortunately no number remains.

Nick and Tom’s focus was also on the Killamarsh trailer, trying to unseize the right wheel and the Scammell coupler. The coupler was a success and works, although a little remedial action is required, namely replacement springs and lubrication. The wheel however remains stuck.

For me a task I have been looking at doing for sometime. The 25ft trailer really is too long for our use. So out with the grinder. Measuring the kurb rails to the proposed 15ft I found a manufactures mark in the same area.

Rails shortened, planks removed and head board and head rail moved back to its new position. Do we play the colour scheme game again? It will also get a renumber I have taken the original serial number 86256, divided it by 25, giving me a number per foot of 3450.25, which when multiplied by 15 gives 51754, rounded up. So HT 51754 E will be the new running number.

Tuesday and back to Rothley and with the undercoat dry it was out with the Gloss.

For the first time this year, Ross sprayed a wagon, despite this being the 17th wagon to receive paint.

Dan, Tom and Nick applying underframe black to…………well the underframe.

The Esso plates also received paint to the back

Wednesday and another Scarab day.
Ross attending to a few items on Lilibet, new rocker cover seal, fan belt and completion of the wiper wiring.

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Nick and I focusing on the NVR trailer, wooden framing replaced as required and bolted in position.

With the new cladding having arrived in the morning it was laid out ready for fitment, Danny was used as an anchor for a ratchet strap to straighten the frame. Then the right hand sheets were fitted and nailed to the new wood as would have originally been done.

Thursday and back to Rothley with the tank now dry it was time to start the finishing touches.

Ross and Nick fitted the Esso plates and then applied primer and under coat

Nick then painting the chassis steps black, touching up missed areas and painted the swan necks red.

Ross then applied undercoat and the first coat of yellow to the commuted charge symbols.

What was I doing? Signwriting, lots and lots of signwriting, Running numbers, Wheelbase, Load, Tare, solebar plates, traffic stars and release cord stars.

Still a little more to do but its starting to come together.

On to Friday and more signwriting for me, Builders plates, OLE warning, foot valve plate and Commuted Charge symbols.

Ross worked his magic on the Esso plates, sand, a further under coat and gloss.

Dan and Oliver scraped and painted under the tank.

Whilst Tom, applied gloss to the lamp irons, foot valve handles, hand brake ends and ladder.

Finally Ross freed off the axle end cap nuts, in preparation for exam after the big day.

Christmas Eve, leaving the tank once again, as we await gloss to cure and paint to arrive, it’s another Scarab day.

Tail board removed from the big trailer then all of the remaining floor boards, as I want to return the floor to its correct position and only having to remove 15ft worth of additional steel work is more manageable than 25ft worth.

All the farmer applied supports were cut and the kurb rails and head rail moved forward.

The rear over hang was then cut to the correct 17 and a bit inch from the rear axle support, and the tail board fitted.

With the outer rails complete, they were centred on the chassis, drilled and bolted to the 6 supports, 3 each side. The east side first as the west had a little bow. The east rail being used as an anchor to pull against whilst the west was bolted.

With the light failing and after raising the front of the trailer in preparation for the removal of the Scammell coupling, I was able to get a few poor images of the final size of the trailer.

Once again Merry Christmas from us.

Apologies for the delay on this one, I hope you will see it was worth it. So with a sense of déjà vu we are at Rothley, with some tanks, I’m sure we did this a year or 2 ago.

First however, and back at Quorn, I was not 100% happy with the mudguards fitted to the NVR trailer, so with a new larger set acquired, I am much happier.

As well as replacement mudguards a replacement wiper motor for Lilibet. A smaller unit with clearer switching arrangements.

So onto the weekend, with 5209 in the dry at Rothley, Ross and I took a look at the Esso plates. The remains of nylon bolts were drilled out and the mounts re-tapped.

Once both sides were done, and joined by Owen from the NWPG we took a walk to Swithland to retrieve an Esso plate from 3436, no point reinventing the wheel. This was then fitted to the tank although not perfect it gave us a starting point.

So for the rest of the day, and many thanks to the Windcutter group for the use of their expired floor, I manufactured with further help from Ross and Owen a new plate for the tank.

Dan, Tom and Mark on site, along with Nick prepping the tank for paint, sanding, scrapping, wire brushing and removing the sole bar plates, with myself also removing sticker remains.

Ross noticed a blanking plate fitted with only 2 bolts, so after sourcing further bolts and cleaning them up, he bolted this down fully.

On to Sunday and the aim, undercoat the tank.

After a quick visit to Quorn we returned to Rothley with some sizeable pieces of steel, from the hut that was mounted on the Palbrick. These were marked out and cut to size. Giving us 3 more Esso plates, one for 5209 and two for 3711.

The holes in the ex mineral floor were filled with countersunk machine screws and ground down. These will be filled once fitted to the wagon.

The plates were then primed on the back.

Nick and Ross continued with the paint prep. I did lend a hand

Then spot prime

Followed by Undercoat.

Finally it is with great sorrow I must announce the passing of Nicks favouritest scraper. It has given many years of faithful service and will be sorely missed.

Scraper 1974 – 2022

Merry Christmas from us, we are still going to be at it so we will let you know what has been achieved on Christmas Day.

Once again some midweek work for me, with the deadline looming for the BSO, a trip to Rothley Tuesday to apply the west side running number, Guard and load details. It was also possible to line the Guard marking.

Between coats I manufactured a pair of seat bases for Lilibet, then once back at Quorn, I manufactured and applied seat backs.

This was followed by prime, wood and metal, as well as applying it to the passenger seat base.

One final task for me, we found 24v instead of 12v bulbs in Lilibet’s side lights as well as a blown brake light. So after purchasing replacements these were fitted.

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Wednesday began with scraping, keying and priming Lilibet’s cab

With another trip to Rothley to apply lining to the load details and second coat the running number.

Thursday and application of undercoat to Lilibet’s cab and nose access cover.

Final trip to Rothley to complete the sign writing. End details, line the running number and time to admire the Carriage and Wagon staffs work , as well as my own.

On to Saturday with Nick and I on site, we began by offering up pipe to 3711. Checking length and positions ready for Sundays push to fit a train pipe.

Nick also fitted the vacuum dummies and ensured we had all the fittings and tools to install the new run.

I fitted Lilibet with new mirrors which are a lot better than the single original and similar to those fitted to the Ipswich transport museums Scarab I had a play with earlier in the year.

As well as fitting a new horn.

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I also reattached the home made window slide, as the rivets failed, although not unexpected as they were too small for the holes that exsisted in the scrounged metal work

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As the sun set it was onto undercoating the inside of the doors

Applying topcoat to the nose access cover and giving Madge a run so she didn’t feel left out, no requirement for guesses for the internal livery this week I’m afraid.

With the weeks work passing by on its way to Loughborough

On to Sunday, the target, complete the train pipe on 3711. Ross and Nick, joined by new Volunteers Dan, Tom and Mark.

The middle section of pipe was refitted after the rotten ends were removed, cleaned up and threaded. A short section of pipe was fitted to the south end and after an application of heat it was forced to face a more useful direction.

The process of cutting, threading, joining and clamping continued until there was a train pipe from the north headstock to the south.

This was then finished with a swan neck at each end.

Followed by vacuum hoses

Final task was to fit the branch pipe to the cylinder release valve. Due to the position and removal of the other cylinder two short flexible pipes and a rigid pipe are required. This will be fitted securely next week and not left on the brake rigging.

I continued with Lilibet, applying Cream and then Crimson to the cab.

Vacuum test next week for the tank, join us to see how it performs.

With the autumn weather setting in and following a discussion with the events team, Lilibet was moved into the marquee at Quorn Tuesday, stood over a sheet, components removed, she was keyed ready for prime.

This was followed by a quick wipe of the nose and 2 strips of masking tape applied to mark out the location for nose trim. Although a later Scarab with a trimless nose I prefer the look of the sweeping trim. The tape acted as a guide to ensure both sides looked even.

A 21mm wide chrome trim was then applied above the tape, this is available from any auto parts stockist, although this particular item came from a well know internet distributer named after a river.

The chrome was also keyed, and after a panel wipe, masking was applied to areas that won’t be requiring paint.

This was followed by a quick fill of a small number of imperfections

On to Wednesday, with the filler cured the areas were sanded then panel wiped

Followed by the application of the first coat of primer, a fetching shade of our now usual white, any guesses for the final colour?

Whilst waiting for the first coat to dry I swapped the rear number plate with the new “Re-enacting” plate. OAR was used by BR vehicles in the Leicestershire area. Madge will also be receiving an OAR plate, number 317.

Why 317 and 323, well most BR Scarabs around this area carried a 300 number with 17 representing the letter Q and 23-W. Wilbur has OAR plates, numbered 815. These plates being applied for photo charters and period events but the vehicles will revert to there legal plates when on the road.

After a bite to eat the second coat was applied.

The Scammell nose plate is a fibreglass replica and as such is missing bars to protect the head light and the Horses Head, A plan has been formulated for the latter. To correct the former a piece of Aluminium bar was cut in to 3 sections holes drilled and the bars fed in, due to the curve of the plate this is a tight interference fit.

On to Saturday with focus being 3711, the East side cylinder perforated for lightness was removed, using hot spanner, high speed rotational nut remover and percussion adjustment techniques.

This will not be overhauled at the moment but may be in a few years once the steel is given time to grow back.

The train pipe was then removed, well I say pipe, more accurately the wet cardboard tube fell off.

This was followed by loosening the west side cylinder which will be overhauled and the removal of the piston rod.

There was also time to make a repair to B852838 which had been booked with a defective vacuum release chord.

Dave also overhauled the two removed release valves

Lilibet received her period tax disk and appropriate lettering for her current colour. Still accepting guesses for the final colour scheme. This was followed by a few movements around the yard, moving items between the vans and re-packing parcels into a theatrical van.

Last task for the evening, re coating Lilibet’s rear chassis and coupling gear as well as her nose plate.

Sunday began with a strip session, a 21″ Cylinder from stock which was then overhauled.

After the 2 minutes for Remembrance and awaiting the arrival of Nick to operate the Volvo. We removed Lilibets alternator as the mount was found to be misaligned. This was measured, washers welded in position and redrilled.

After fitment and with Nick now on site we set about removing the west side vaccum cylinder from 7311. Unfortunately more components were required to be taken off to facilitate removal, so with a gap on the east side we fitted the overhauled cylinder there.

As we do not intend to fill the tank, it will only have one cylinder plumbed back in, as we do with all our load valve dual cylindered vehicles. This is just to eliminate any risk of running an empty wagon with the brake force of a full one.

Sundays last task with the Volvo in operation was to straighten the west side ladder with a careful application of force.

Don’t forget to get your guesses in for Lilibet’s top coat, all will be revealed next week.

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.

As the official period of mourning for our late Queen has come to an end, we shall continue our regular updates, first a date for your diary, the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of October we are hosting an open day at Quorn, the event is being sponsored by the West Hill Wagon Works and will see some of our fleet on display, including the Test Car, a number of visiting wagon groups as well as support from the Heavy Tractor Group with 37714 static on the Test Car and D6700 working the vans. With period vehicles and a chance to meet us and talk wagons.

So lets go back to the week commencing the 5th September. As mentioned before our intention is to build a replica Brush style body to place on Kiki. Thanks to Steve from the Ipswich Transport Museum for the invitation , with Michelle and I making the trip to measure the collection’s 1967 Brush pony built for use at St. Helen’s Hospital to move laundry.

The opportunity was also taken to view the museum and I was even allowed to drive the collections Scarab, assisting in a tricky reverse as exhibits are refreshed. The whole gang have been invited for a future follow up visit which will included the museums storage site. I send my thanks again to all those at the museum for making Michelle and I feel so welcome.

Back at base Zsa Zsa received her name, being applied by Dave.

Who also made a start with the east side lettering of the tool van.

Richard applied further Engineers Olive, with Nick applying a second coat.

Ross and I working on Hector. Brakes being the first focus. He was jacked up, packed and the rear axle droped to improve access.

Wheels off, drums off, brakes disassembled.

The rear drum brake pistons were replaced. This required new mounting holes to be drilled as the new pistons are of a slightly different design.

With the wheels off the opertunity was taken to split the hubs and replace the aged inner tubes. .

The LED flashing beacon was also replaced with a more period correct rotating one.

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Once all was rebuilt and after a bleed and adjustment session all three brakes now work. This just leaves one hand brake cable to either repair or source and replace. However the other side is connected and operating so despite being a requirement its not at the top of the decreasing job list.

Next all removable items were then taken off, including the roof, in preparation for the next task.

Weld repairs and hole plugging. Ross carrying out the honours, cleaning to bare metal, welding then grinding flush. Including a piece of the customary reclaimed yellow drip tray.

I followed with wire wheel, sander and primer, a striking white.

Then black for the dash and floor, and yellow for the inside faces of the roof supports

Ross sneaked off to give Jerry a wash and wax although I was trying to achieve a stereotypical BR patina, Oh well.

After a few moments to dry, Hector was reassembled now sporting his new white primer.

Some thin tin was then bonded to the inside of a few holes in the “clam shell” which once cured was filled sanded and primed.

Then, as we have done oh so many times before, it was out with the yellow.

All the removed components were then refitted and the all important wasp stripes, lettering and logos applied.

Michelle also assisted by preparing the wheels for paint, and I applied a Lancing Bagnall builders plate, although from a older vehicle this replaces the Lancing decals which were removed.

The next logo was then applied, this being the Red Star Parcels logo, chalked, masked and then painted.

This was applied to both sides and then the small details, tire pressure, name and gross haulage weight

Wheels were then masked primed and glossed, the fetching shade of BR Grey

Whilst I worked my magic, Ross reconnected the electrics as well as fitting the additional converter to power the new more power hungry beacon.

Final touches were then applied to the signwriting and a tax disk fitted.

After which we moved on to the trailers to fix the rear steer axles which make them so much easier to move around site. This involved removing the steering arm, and then bolting on a piece of angle iron, which was removed from the large Scammell trailer a few years ago.

With the steering fixed we set on enclosing the sides and fitting the tug chargers, this is to assist getting kit out of the garage as it now all goes in one place. Need to have a think what colour to do it!

Then a stroke of genius hit us, the removed steering arm can be used as a tow bar. So mounts drilled and fitted and Hector now has a Brute tow bar.

And it works……..

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Nick refitted 5209s valve as well as replacing life expired vacuum hoses on vans 786181, 18422 and 777728. Before a full annual exam was conducted by Nick, Richard and Thomas on the van train.

So another vehicle in corporate livery. With running maintenances carried out on a number of vehicles.

I have also treating myself to a new phone, so I had to give the night mode function a test, rather pleased with the result. More next week.

Another week and some more arrivals, this time the BRUTE fleet increases from 6 to 8. Many thanks to our donator, who wishes to remain anonymous. These new trollies have 3 out of the 4 side curtains in place confirming our guessed measurements by acting as templates to manufacture 16 replacements. With the originals going in to store.

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Some final touches to the visible side of the tool van, fitting the now white 3 link couplings. Why? Well why not? As well as a CR builders plate and our re-wheeled plate.

Main task however was the much needed repairs to the roof’s of 765272 and 786348, especially as it seems the much needed rain has arrived.

765272 first, removal of the felt roof and bitumasic adhesive.

This highlighted the extent of ply requiring to be replaced. New pieces were measured and cut.

Allowing these to be used as a measure to mark the area of roof to be cut, which was duly carried out.

New pieces fitted into position screwed to the existing roof hoop batons. Followed by additional supporting strips of ply and bolts were holes were available.

The end roof hoops were also scraped and primed ready for refitting.

Zsa Zsa received a 3D printed Brush plaque as fitted to vehicles sold by the Brush, we assume as an internal use vehicle these were never fitted so have added this, with Kiki receiving hers once her new body has been built.

Bolt holes were drilled and filled, then nutted. With a supporting strip added to receive staples

Whilst Nick and Richard applied a repair plate and the west side supporting strips. Ross and I removed the roof hoops and damaged felt from 786348 which highlighted some repairs required for this roof.

So the area above the east side door of 348 was in need of repair. This was cut back new ply measured and cut and this was fitted as above.

With the necessary repairs made the roof sheets were cut and rolled out on to the roof’s

A roof hoop at one end was then bolted to each vehicle.

Sheet tensioned and then the opposite hoop fitted. On Monday we also welcomed new volunteer Henry.

The sheet was then stapled down each side and trimmed.

We shall leave them for the week and hopefully if the weather holds we shall paint the sheets.

Final tasks for this bank holiday weekend, rebuild Danny’s clutch after the new components arrived. All working successfully.

This was followed by working on Hectors brakes, which resulted in a fully working front wheel and a burst pipe leading to the right hand drum. A little more to do but with the pipe clamped to the rear brakes it is now possible to stop.

As always, join us next week to see what we have been up to.

We start with final touches being applied to 765272, South swan neck, lamp irons and a second coat of bauxite for the southern vent.

As well as the completion of the east side data panel.

This completes this vehicles repaint, with some roof repairs remaining to carry out. Just a pair of closing images of the vehicle as was and as is now.

Steve and I took a quick visit to Rothley to remove and repaint the sign on the former sheet store/goods shed. This returned to Quorn and was painted black, sign written and the frame glossed white.

Back at Quorn, and attention turning to arguably the most important van in the fleet, well to us anyhow.

Same as always, Scrape, with a little more than usual being removed.

PVA.

Prime,

Although with the additional step of fill, sand and fill. As a static van this will add a little more life to the ply which would vibrate out of an inservice vehicle.

Then the start of the undercoating, any guesses about livery?

The chalkboards were also removed, Scraped, PVA’d and primed.

Between waiting for items to dry we also applied a smart coat of black to the garage.

Followed by a trip back to Rothley to refit the now completed sign.

With Nick back from Scout camp, we trial fit two BRUTEs in his van. This is in preparation for a future road trip.

A touch of sealer was then applied to 854097.

Then once that had cured more paint, not only green but a touch of yellow too.

I’ll leave you a week to figure it out, see if you guess correctly next week.