Blog followers may have been suffering withdrawal symptoms lately but rest assured that there are a number of posts pending and there will be lots to report over the next month.  Most work has focussed on the winter maintenance, which isn’t always particularly photogenic, but the preparations for the event are also well in hand and I shall report on these separately.  So, a glance around the RHEC reveals a busy team and a looming date for the start of the season…  Here are just a few of the things going on.

Hopefully this post will not appear so large for those who view it via e-mail.  If it does, open the blog directly and the images should be roughly postcard size however.  We are monitoring this but it seems to be largely human (me!) error in terms of the settings applied to images posted.

Below: A request came in for a telegraph insulator holder for the bakery.  Chris responded, with this.  Not pretty but actually just what we wanted – using recovered metal and fixings it is pre-weathered and will therefore blend in with the town environment.

Below: Tom is working on the General bus, refitting overhauled brake components and carrying out other repairs as required.  Phil Anderson is hard at work on the paintwork and we are waiting a delivery of canvas so that the roof can be tackled and waterproofed – this bus has become notorious for its leaks…

Below: In an attempt to make the paintwork on the gallopers decks more durable, a hard-wearing satin varnish is being applied.  Hopefully we can then maintain the varnish each winter without having to repaint the decks every year.

Below: As can be seen, the Erecting Shop is dominated by the gallopers, though completion looms as the date for assembly of the ride is only a few weeks away.  In the background Michael and Keith are at work installing wiring for the power supplies to each work area.  The lighting is now completed – as can be seen in this view.  We still have a large number of enamel signs to adorn the walls, so much of the plywood finish will be hidden from view.