Ian and Sarah from Stangate Restorations & Replicas Ltd are in today, surveying a number of proposed jobs in order to help me cost the work required and then find the funds!

They have looked at the wonderful North Eastern Railway Birdcage Brakevan (see photo below) which has been in use in recent years but is badly in need of conservation work to the body, restoration of the badly rotted birdcage lookout, re-roofing, re-canvasing and repairs to the doors. In line with the NER theme, they are also investigating the NER Fire Engine Wagon (currently carrying a bothy hut from its Tyne Dock days) which requires some framework repairs and new solebars (a project which has already attracted funding support from the Friends of Beamish) before having the ex York Shand Mason Steam Fire Engine placed upon it.