If you’ve missed the news, we now have a vacuum fitted rake, but there were still a few outstanding little jobs to tick off before we can have a play with the Deltic and Tornado.

There was another good turnout of wagon group members, so we split up into pairs to get stuff achieved. We had one vacuum cylinder sitting on the workbench unrestored, so Paul and Alan set about stripping it down. This cylinder will go under the next van to be restored, so it was worth getting it ready and by doing so clearing up at Wansford.

Meanwhile, Colin was repairing the wooden slats on the cable drum inside the Southern Open and Tim, with the help of Mark, were finishing fitting the release cord to the valve on van B759852. Phil had teamed up with Jason and were painting those couple of cylinders that we’d neglected to paint before fitting.

Just before lunch Tim painted some swan necks that had been missed and then it was a short walk to the running rake for a few jobs. The gaiter and cord needed replacing on Tim’s brake van and then a 60mph sign was painted ready for the Tornado photo charter.

It was also nice to see 92 Sqn out and about.

After a spot of lunch, Phil and Jason set off to paint over the recent graffiti on the Mackerel wagon. Then, as we’d ticked off most of the jobs it was decided to start to repaint the Medfit into BR livery, again, ready for Tornado. By the close of play lots had been achieved, with the chassis to be painted on the Medfit next time.

Our Deltic driving course sold out fast, but tickets are still available for our Tornado Photographic Charter on Friday 24th May. Visit the NVR website for more info and to book –https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/497/east-coast-freight-storm-charter#jumpbook