A shorter post for last week as there has been a detailed look at the Leyland Cub restoration in a separate post, and other works, while progressing, haven’t revealed much to photograph!  We’ve also had a large number of staff going through training/refresher courses and exams for railway operation at Beamish – existing competencies have to be renewed and those in training examined in the relevant areas (Guard/Driver/Fireman/Duty Officer and at Waggonway and Branch Line – Rowley – levels).

So, here are a few photos to show that the rest of the team has not been idle!

Below: The tarmac living van will be spending some time at St Helens Church (moved from Eston, in the Georgian landscape) for the use and shelter of the staff working there.  The roof has been recovered and it is being tidied up – it should also appear at the Power from the Past event with some appropriate exhibits…

Below: Sunderland 16’s truck has been temporarily re-wheeled to check on the clearances of the rebuilt hornguides.  We have been informed by the contractor repairing the pendulums that they may be beyond repair and so new steel castings will be sourced – so back to plan a (the expensive option unfortunately).

Below: The Showman’s living van is also proceeding well, with the interior re-panelled, stained and varnished and awaiting the beading and detail trims.

Below: The exterior is seen here in preparation for re-coating with the ‘colour’ (we don’t use ‘gloss’ as such, the varnish providing this).

Below: Phil is seen painting the buttery cream colour that we decided upon for the clerestory and belly boxes.

Below: By the end of Sunday the van was looking very nice, with the coach enamel applied to both body and belly boxes and giving a very good idea of the finished livery.  The mudguards are primed and await painting black, before fitting and allowing the van to be re-wheeled.  In the foreground R025’s footplating takes shape and the rear cover is seen inverted having been cleaned, primed and received a first coat of RAF blue.