13/06/26 to 08/07/26 – A loco, a scarab, two brake vans, and some P-way

Over the last month we have been chipping away at several little jobs, and as Tim has been busy with wedding preparations for this Saturday he’s missed writing some updates!

The first bit of exciting news is that Steve and Stu, who have been working on shunting loco ‘Frank’ were in a position to give it a test run. This loco hasn’t moved for a few decades and several bits had to be fabricated to get it moving, so well done to both of them. Now comes the task of rebuilding the bodywork and getting many little jobs ticked off to see the loco complete.

The next bit of exciting news is that Tim’s Scammell Scarab has finally been moved to Overton for restoration. With the departure of Matt Bakers’ vehicles, it has left a hole in the vehicle fleet, which is important to rectify for the Goods Yard Project.

There has been a lot of work going on with both Paul’s Brake Van, SR No.S55550, and Tim’s Brake Van No. B953944.

Paul, with the help of the rest of the team, has been repainting the exterior over several weeks. The body has gone into our favourite colour, Freight Brown, and the handrails and lamp irons picked out in white. There is just the lettering to see the body complete, before the chassis is tackled.

Meanwhile, Tim has finally got round to replacing his veranda floors.

Last Saturday Tim, Paul, Steve, John, and Ruben set about the massive task of checking and oiling the rake for the annual pad exam. We are pleased to say there were no issues and the rake is fit for traffic for a bit of running with the Peak on Saturday 18th July alongside visiting Deltic ‘Alycidon’. Whilst we were working we also had a welcome visit from Tornado.

There have been some exciting developments with the Overton Goods, Coal, and Travelling Post Office Project. Work has begun on clearing ground in the headshunt for track work. This means that we will be able to move stock from the yard when it comes to altering the layout within the yard.

There are also plans to open the yard on several Saturdays throughout this year, so come and see us.

The wagon shop has been restocked, and will be open on selected days over the summer, so pop in and take a look. Funds raised here go directly towards wagon restoration.