Interior Woodwork Begins

M59137

At the start of 2008 we began to look at the interior restoration of centre car M59137. However external tasks such as doors and batteries have meant the interior hasn't progressed as quickly as everyone would have liked. That is starting to change however as Kevin has been busy measuring and cutting to size the various hardwood battens which are attached to the steel frame. All the panels and edging strips that the public see are then attached to these hardwood battens, so once these have been completed and fixed in place, insulation can be added before making a start on the panels themselves. So far the battens which run along the bottom of the vehicle, just above the heater ducting, have been cut to size and temporarily fitted to see if they fit (see left). A second set which run vertically next the windows have also been made (most if not all of the originals have been discarded as they were too far gone).

M56182

Work has continued with the Sandite Car, the vacuum system having been checked over and lubricated fully (see left). The only remaining task is to plug the breaches in this (and the control air) system used by the Sandite equipment, before the vehicle can be coupled to something that can produce vacuum to test if the cylinders work. Soon the vehicle will be handed over to Heritage Restorations for bodywork & a full repaint into BR Blue with full yellow ends (both ends!) ready for this year's Scenic Railcar Weekend.