Below: Oporto 196 has been subject to much repair and various treatments, enabling progress on the repaint.  It is seen this morning in a cream primer, part of the process of building up the many layers of paint that enables Phil Anderson to achieve the stunning finish on our trams.  The roof is receiving attention from Peter Barlow and Tony Vollans has made the additional six roof advert boards which will enclose the roof space very much along the lines of the Gateshead cars.  Needless to say the front board will, per tradition, read ‘Shop at Binns’.  Completion of this tram is anticipated in the second week of August, to enable an all out effort on the repaint of Gateshead 10…

Below: No.18 is tucked up in its tent and has seen numerous layers of paint added by Dave Young.  It is at this stage that even a little locomotive suddenly looks very big!

Below: Work on rubbing down to a flat matt finish all of the green paintwork has now commenced.  This will enable one more coat of green before flatting, lining and finally varnishing.  This is the tip of the iceberg though as there are lots and lots of black, red and crimson bits to attend to, as well as wood graining the cab.  A provisional launch date has been put in the diary, though a mid-August completion and running-in is anticipated to allow for the appearance at the PftP event at the end of August/beginning of September.  Phil has offered to assist Dave and I with the final painting stages, so as to achieve the finish we aspire to!

Below: Darren and Mark have now laid some more narrow gauge line, and the view below shows this progress.  The new shed will be on the right hand track, and will be of more commodious size than the existing shed – this will enable large locomotives to be accommodated.  The left hand line in this view will curve around and up towards the boiler house, the formation for which has been graded.