July kicked off with another Freight Driving Experience. Originally planned to be ‘Western’ with GWR Pannier 6430, plans had to be changed when Llangollen recalled the loco due to a steam shortage and our own 92 Squadron stood in and it became a ‘Southern’ experience.

Tim undertook an FTR on the rake at Peterborough NVR and the wagons were ready to roll…

These courses are proving to be popular, offering plenty of fun driving, firing and riding on a loose-coupled freight. The course was a sellout with all sixteen participants (and some of the wagon group volunteers) thoroughly enjoying themselves. Some of them were there for a second time having enjoyed earlier courses so much!

Image courtesy of Steve Jackson (C)

Work continued on the 5-plank open wagons throughout July, August & September with the fitting of new floors, repainting, signwriting, construction of a dummy load and fitting of replica D-plates.

September saw a concerted effort to make progress on the Civil Engineering brake van, and included some more panelling work and installation of the new canvas roof. First the ply boarding is fitted and sanded.

Then the canvas roof bonding is applied and the canvas itself smoothed over the entire roof.