Earlier today I was in Haltwhistle to see Ian at Stanegate Restoration & Replicas regarding next steps in the restoration of the Forcett Coach (see earlier posting on this for details).

Below: Scumbled finish and lettering applied during the 1975 restoration of No.179. At this stage we are trying to determine what was carried out then, what is original and what has/may have been done subsequently.

Below: The removal of the floorboards makes clear one particular problem – the flange of this wheelset has, when the coach has been laden, worn into the cross member and cut right through a chassis tie-rod. It is possible the wheels, not being original, are too large to original specification. Likewise, the collapsing springs at this end have contributed to this problem.

Below: Evidence of work required – the buffer pad and beam in this area requires extensive restoration as it has rotten/crumbled to a large degree.

Below: One bodyside panel and two doors have been removed, revealing the ‘flat-pack’ nature of construction and also revealing a view not previously possible of the interior!

Below: The interior looking towards what became the guard’s end at Forcett. Notice the brake handle.

Restoration will continue to be charted on this blog, under the same title but increasing ‘chapter’ numbers for those following progress.