What lies beneath... Oporto 196 overhaul progresses

What lies beneath… Oporto 196 overhaul progresses

Below: The work on 196 is progressing, with quite a tight deadline to carry out numerous repairs to the body before the process of preparing it for a full repaint begins.  The corner panels, installed during the last overhaul, have been removed and the framework behind them exposed…

Below: … the framework is in largely good condition, apart from this corner, which will require sections of replacement frame to be let in.

Below: Inside, Dan is working on the removal of the windows, to enable them to be planed and refitted in order that they work – the semi-convertible nature of this tram has not been much exploited in recent years, so hopefully this work will be appreciated on hot summers days (!).

Below: The tram has also regained its original works plates, fitted above the bulkead doors inside the saloon.  A very good reminder of the Portuguese origins of 196.

Below: By the mid afternoon the windows were romoved, likewise the cosmetic strip above them – something that had clearly been added to hide a multitude of sins!  Fortunately this area is quite sound and in very good condition, so will be re-covered appropriately to enable a quality finish to be applied.

Below: Meanwhile, everyday maintenance carries on with the rest of the fleet, here Hugh tops up the oil levels on Newcastle 114 – maybe we might yet get some weather to operate the open top cars in?!