
Workshop Diary December 2024 Part 2
It was inevitable that as soon as I published the December update, there would be more news for the blog, that ideally fits into any pre-2025 posts! So here is a supplement to what is now Part 1 of the December Workshop Diary.
Tramway
Since the last post, we’ve made this short video to explain to the wider audience on Facebook and Instagram, what our plans are for the winter programme.
Duke of Sutherland Saloon 58A
Below: After pre-heating both the working area and the bonding putty, application of the canvas onto 58A’s roof has commenced. Here you can see the prepared canvas being rolled out onto the yellow putt bond – it is this that has had to be warmed in order to get it to spread sufficiently to allow the canvas to be bonded to it.
Below: Once the canvas is rolled out, much smoothing and stretching is required to remove creases and bumps. Then a start can be made on attaching the wooden beading, that will further impart tension into the canvas in readiness for painting.
Leyland Cub Tipper
Below: Work on the Leyland Cub tipper is progressing apace, with a spare head being recovered from our stock of spares. This is from dual ignition engine, where there is accomodation for twin spark plugs for each cylinder, which was an option allowing duplication ignition systems. Such things were desirable on fire engines, where reliability was essential. Leyland fire engines on Cub chassis were designated FK, and the dual ignition was achieved by adding a switch that enabled running on either coil or magneto. In Beamish terms, fitting this alternative head (and with suitable modification to the ignition system) will better suit the lorry, which is given to standing for quite long periods of time and where the magneto can become damp.
Here the head is being spot faced for datums that will enable both machining the face (on the base in this view) now, and also in the future – as there will be a consistent reference point should it require similar work again (whence more points being done now than are necessary for the set up for machining the face – see next photos).
Below: A second view, showing further progress on the work illustrated above.
Below: With the datum points completed, the head was inverted and set up for machining. The first phase created a virtually flat surface.
Below: The second phase uses a block and emery to identify any high spots that need further attention. Whilst there is a gasket fitted between the mating surfaces, it is important that they are still a true fit (between head and block) to ensure the correct flow of gases and fluids in the various passageways that must be seamless between the two.
Below: A similar view to above, but sans emery paper and this time using a feeler gauge to check for any high spots.
Gateshead 10
Below: There was a brief window of time (minutes!) when Gateshead 10 was fully unsheeted for the first time since its repaint was started. It is now sheeted again, probably until ready for final varnishing. This view serves to show how well the tram looks, though much remains to still be done and the signwriter will be adding the rest of the lining in March. The advertising boards are still to be made/painted/fitted, and the side windows adverts are yet to be refitted.
Photos in this post by Mat Bedard, Phil Doran, Paul Jarman and John Marshall
Gateshead 10 looks magnificent! Thanks for posting a photo of it minus the sheeting, it really does look stunning – here’s hoping its plain sailing now for the completion of this project. As with many vehicle restorations, its been a long wait but the end result is what really matters and I’m sure it will be worth it. Happy Christmas and best wishes to all at Beamish who keep these amazing vehicles running!
Excellent post and first-class video: many thanks!
Merry Christmas to you and all your team.