Towards the end of the last report, we were in the process of finishing off work to the Elegant Excursions Kitchen Car. This was something of a rush job, as it was needed for Mothering Sunday at the beginning of the operating season. We completed it in time, and the attached photo shows it standing outside our workshop looking very smart.

The operating season started more than a month ago, and this has had an impact of our workload. The major issue was that very early in the year, one of the toilet windows on the maroon SO (Open second) 4798 was found to be broken; whether by a stone or otherwise.

When the window came to be removed to be replaced, it was found that not only was much of the wooden frame rotten, but also much of the steel surround. Rather than do a botch job, it was decided to take the coach out of use for repairs. A section of the steel bodyside was cut out, and replaced; new wooden surrounds were made and the new window fitted perfectly. The coach was back in use three weeks later. Well done to those who organised this job.

So to BSO (Brake Open Second) 9000. This coach has been inside our workshop being worked on for several weeks now. In addition to all the usual things that need doing to a coach which is being refurbished from unused condition, the bodywork at one end is particularly bad. The photo shows that the whole of the side panel where the toilet used to be has had to be cut out, for replacement. Behind it the steel body members are also rotten and in need of replacement. The toilet was converted to a store room by BR. Alongside it to the left in the picture, is the window behind which the buffet counter was situated. This counter and the store room will be reinstated during the refurbishment, although the counter will be used for on train sales; not as a buffet.

BSO 9000 in our workshop before the side panel was removed

The same is true of much of the adjacent end. Large sections of that have to be removed for replacement. It tends to demonstrate how far we have come as a restoration team. Even a few years ago, we would not have had the capability of tackling such a big job as this. It is worth doing as the BSO will be such a useful and versatile vehicle when it is finished.

The disabled area is well advanced with all timber framing complete, and most of the cladding in place. The steam heat system has been extended and installed in this area. The passenger saloon has been stripped, cleaned down and restoration has started. The first thing to be done will be a complete repaint of the ceilings. Thereafter varnishing will start. Virtually all external doors have been removed for repair, and this is a major task. Two were in such poor condition, that after removing a few remaining fittings as spares, they went straight into the skip. Two new aluminiumones have been fitted from a southern EMU, as seen in the photo. It is quite amazing that they are an almost perfect fit.

Everything below the solebar is largely complete as far as possible at this stage. We shall have to wait until it is time to lift the coach on our carriage jacks before doing anything further there. There is several months work left on this coach. We shall probably work up to undercoat stage on the bodysides, and then take it out of the workshop to be lifted. That will allow time for the door engineers to catch up whilst internal restoration continues.

Next to follow it into our workshop will be the RBr (Restaurant Buffet Refurbished) 1672. This is making steady progress, although there is still a lot top be done. The gas system is now largely complete, although a boiler still needs to be installed. There is also a generator on order, which will need to be installed to provide 240v electric power internally. The original thinking was to complete this in carmine and cream, to fit into that rake. Now, it is suggested that it should go into maroon to replace the RMB (Miniature buffet) 1876, on the basis that the maroon rake is currently in the best condition. If we have an RBr in that rake we shall use it more and allow the other RBr to be withdrawn for repairs and overhaul.

Outside, standing in our 'Barn' is the SK (Corridor Second) 24949. This was in the spare rake, but on examination it was found that during the winter water had got inside through the roof vents in a couple of compartments and had caused some of the ceiling panels to break up, and the moquette to rot.

Repairs are being carried out so that it is watertight, whist it awaits full overhaul. It means that most of the external roof vents will have to be removed, repaired and resealed.

Also outside and standing next to 24949 is the GWR Horsebox 709, which is reaching the final stages of an extensive ten year overhaul and rebuild. It is so advanced that lettering and logos are being applied. There is still some moquette to be fitted; springs for the loading ramps, and various other small fittings. It should not be long however, before it is ready for action - whatever that may be. This is apparently the only GWR Horsebox in preservation. After such a long and extensive restoration it needs to go on display somewhere, and not just stand outside in a siding.

The GWR Toolvan 92, is also reaching the final stages of a full overhaul and restoration. The major job left is the manufacture of several new frames for the glass lights which fit in the roof at intervals, to give sufficient natural light internally for work to be done. This van was built in the days before trains had electric lighting! This van is being restored for use with the tamper. It may look a bit incongruous, but at least it will be back in use as a Toolvan, which is what it was built for nearly 90 years ago.

The other vehicle in the Barn is the Southern PMV 1563, which is having a thorough rebuild. When it arrived, it was fairly dilapidated. It is steel framed with plywood sheet sides. It was built like this as a wartime economy measure. The ply sheets are bolted to the steel frame and over a period of 50 years, rust has built up between the frames and the ply so that large gaps are appearing. The only proper remedy is to remove each sheet of ply, needle gun the frames, and then bolt the ply back in place. This van will be finished in Southern green with yellow lettering, as built. It will be in full operational condition as the brake cylinder, brakes and axleboxes have already been overhauled.

PMV's were passenger rated, which meant that they were able to run in passenger trains. They often ran in trains on the Southern region of BR as luggage vans, which is precisely what their designation means; Parcels and Miscellaneous Vans. It would be nice to think that it could run with one of our trains on occasions.

We have just acquired two BG's from Old Oak Common in London. A BG is a BR Mk 1 Gangwayed Brake. It is slightly shorter than the usual Mk 1 coach, and is completely open internally, save for a standard guards compartment. Several hundred of these versatile vehicles were built in the 1950's, to enable parcels, goods and newspapers to be transported either in passenger trains, or dedicated parcels trains. We already have BG 81039 refurbished in carmine & cream, and it operates regularly in our third rake.

Old Oak Common depot is closing down after a long and illustrious history. It has been compulsorily acquired by Crossrail, for use as a base to construct the forthcoming London Crossrail link. The two BG's were both formerly used by the parcels sector of Rail Express and are in - very faded - post office livery. Of the two, 92350 is going to be converted for use as a mess van for our P/Way department. The other, 92384 is going to be converted by us as a new C & W upholstery workshop. This will replace the static RBr 1984, which is currently used, and which is not really big enough.

The other item on our horizon is the anniversary gala in 2010. I am told that one of the attractions is going to be an operating rake of all-GWR wagons, so the hunt is on. We have a number in various states of repair, so twelve months is not an awfully long time to sort this requirement out. It should keep our wagon repair team out of mischief.

To assist our numerous restoration projects, a new 3 phase electricity supply has been installed in our workshop, and amongst other items we have acquired an electric laser cutter for cutting sheet steel. So, progress continues. We have welcomed several new members recently. If you want to join us, come and have a look around and find out what is involved. You will be very welcome.