2807 was in service, so the team could do little. In fact, Gilbert (and probably Fred) were working on the siphon van at Winchcombe. I painted 4 boot scrapers and re-stocked the shops (the Coffee Pot had sold 4 at Winchcombe, and the F&W had sold two at Todders). Bruce popped in to make sure we could survive without him - his wife, Daphne, had had an op. and so Bruce was chief cook & bottle-washer at home. Our very best wishes go to Daphne for a speedy recovery.
Thurs 9th
I was training Stu Cunningham to light fires, and 2807 just happened to need a warming fire because she was doing a Fire & Drive on Friday, so ...
Sat 11th
Geof and Gil were trying to sort out tender brake blocks. 2807 was in use, which made it difficult to examine the tender! While she was standing still for a few minutes, they examined the brake hangers, and felt that there was quite a disparity between them. It seems to be quite important to know exactly where to drill the hole in the brake shoe such that it fits snugly into the hanger. G&G seem to believe that the "shoulders" on the back of the block should touch the hanger and take all of the force when brakes are applied - and that the securing pin (through the hole) should not be taking the force. Photos attached to try to explain:-
The new shoe.
These two show the rear view of two of the hangers on our tender. Spot the differences.
Meanwhile, Steve, John and I were preparing rail chairs. John fitted out the new needle-gun with a chisel attachment, and he then attacked the filthiest of chairs - caked in mud or covered in grease. The new gadget seemed to clean these admirably! There are 8 now in a fit state to be needle-gunned. Oh, and the spring part of the chisel attachment broke! Brand new - first time used ... luckily we had a second one!
Next things:
2807 is in service tomorrow (Sunday).
On Monday, Geof & I are going to attempt to remove and measure the brakes on the tender.
On Wednesday the team will complete whatever Geof & I didn't.
2807 is then in service on:
Sat 18 May
Sun 19 May
Over the gala weekend (24th to 27th). I hear that there is a 17-wagon freight that will be running.
Sat 1st June
Sun 2nd June.
Roger
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