Welcome to our Christmas update and our roofing momentum continues with Tim popping in on the 16th December to apply topcoat to both B777633 and B786075 completing Vehicles 6 and 7 of this winters project.

On to the 19th with Tim and I on site to reset the shed.
After a touch of bauxite to the roof hoops and noggin retainers the completed vehicles were evicted to the east with our final 3 vehicles for roof work entering from the west. These being B953944, B774874 and B778019.

It was straight on to B953944 removing the roof furniture, chimney and the failed canvas.

After a sweep to remove loose debris a sheet was trimmed and laid over the roof, it was then stapled along one side and weighted along the other.

Tim took a closer look at B774874s roof, it was hoped that this would be a resheet, the wood however had other plans with very rotten planks, with Tim removing those that were unsound.

The 21st saw Jason and I on site continuing with the Brakevan. Stapling the rest of the sheet down after an additional day to stretch. Once again, like the Southern brake and what seems counterintuitive, holes were cut into the sheet for the chimney and vents.

Refitting the roof furniture was next, starting with the chimney, fire resistant sealant being applied between the roof and roof ring as well as between the roof ring and the chimney.

Followed by the fitting and sealing of the roof vents, roof handle and new rain strips. The hardwood strips being bent to a metal hoop, removed from a previous van. These being a more prototypical layout for the earlier era paint scheme carried by the Van, rather than a straight piece.

Slightly different to the other vehicles, we have decided to apply the roof paint direct to the sheet, as per the manufacturers guidelines to see if there will be any difference overtime.

The 23rd saw Paul, Steve and I on site, with Tim in towards the afternoon.

First job apply a coat of black to the Brakevans chimney. This sees vehicle 8 complete and the last of the in traffic vehicles that required roof work.

Steve, armed with a grinder started removing the roof hoops and noggin retainers from B774874.

Whilst Paul and I replaced the vacuum hoses on S55550 and fitted them to B780952, as well as a cylinder branch pipe blank, this will allow the vehicle to run as a through piped vehicle (test pending) until it receives a vacuum cylinder.

Tim arrived with his focus being the roof repairs to B774874

With our side quests complete Paul, Steve and I focused on removing all of the rotten, and burnt wood from B778019. Yes, burnt wood, the vehicle had to be removed from Wansford tunnel a few months ago after a stray cinder found its way into the dry wood.

A nice clean sheet to rebuild a van from.

On to the 27th and with no further space to the east and one further vehicle to enter the shed a shunt was carried out. The vehicles also being placed in order ready for the New Year return to Overton and our photocharter. B780952 also received its required test to the through pipe.

The vehicle entering the shed being B707261, although what it carries will be the object of my attention for the next few days. That being my 1959 Mickleover Transport built trial fiberglass container BD 4304B.

The last day covered by this update being the 28th. Just me on site sanding down my container after the chains were removed first.

Then applying a coat of primer/undercoat.

Once again we hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and we shall wish you a Happy New Year. Our next update will be the last of our Sunday following a session updates, as this will encompass our charter, so we hope to include a few images from that event.

We still have some space on this event which sees BR Standard 2MT 78019 running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. As well as our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page:

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/courses-and-experiences/

We also have a Fright Experience with the Swindon Type 1 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic D9529 “Teddy Bear”
Follow the link below for more information and how to book:

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/courses-and-experiences/