December 2008 update
by Hugh McQuade
At Kidderminster Works several Trust Company vehicles have been receiving attention.
LMSR-built Corridor Third No 2300
Fully repainted into 1945 livery again, with repairs to all sliding windows requiring new anti-rattle springs and skates. The lavatory floor in No 1 end has been renewed with an extra layer of planks and new lino. Asbestos removal from the two corridor heaters means this vehicle is now totally clear of this substance. The paint shop's new apprentice James Broughton and his tutor Mick Flint have produced one of the best finishes on any vehicle outshopped here in the last twelve years. A new battery box was built by the train repairers Gary Parsons and Shane Pimley shortly after arrival from exile in Bridgnorth. One of the batteries was hanging through the floor by its leads! 2300 went straight into service on Santa Specials on 6 December.
LMSR-designed Corridor Third No 12992
Full bogie overhaul and brake overhaul took place over several months, culminating in completion on 10 December. While it was on the jacks, paint shop volunteers carried out a repaint of the ceilings throughout and renewed all of the transfers internally. Trust Company funded 1949 pattern moquette was fitted, with the labour costs being made by SVR(H). 12992 is now stored in the Carriage Shed until sets get reformed after Santa has finished with them. New stainless steel 'poo pipes' have been fitted to stop corrosion on the bogie frames.
LMSR-designed Corridor Composite No 24617
Due for routine light repaint or revarnish, this coach came into the paint shop on 3 December. A new canvas bellows is needed on No 1 end and during removal of the old one it was noticed that the vestibule floor was being pushed up by corrosion on the headstock (buffer beam). Sliding windows are all being reconditioned with new anti-rattle springs and skates, and welding to this all-steel design has been needed to the main pillars at No 1 end. All of the ceilings are being repainted by our regular volunteer Andy Hipkiss. Completion is expected in mid to late January 2009, and all four Third Class compartments are to be re-upholstered in the Trust Company's 1949 reproduction moquette starting on 15 December.
Hawksworth First Class Sleeping Car No 9084
Returned to the SVR on 4 December from Derby's Ramparts works, 9084 has been on the jacks during the week ending 12 December for removal of asbestos lagging from the steam pipes. Clipping up of the alfresco wiring is also being done prior to electrical testing during the weekend. Drop-lights are being fettled up, as Ramparts did not find the guide rails laid out in Berth No 10. Deficiencies in the gutter have been discovered, and full-time staff will have to rectify these before the vehicle can go back outside. Also new gangway end screens are being made by volunteers and these will help to keep the rain out of the vestibule floors. As a result of Ramparts renewing the floors in corridor and vestibule ends, we have engaged Bridgnorth-based Graham Hill Flooring to install new lino during the first week of January 2009. The Trust will fully fund this work. In order for 9084 to be used as a dormitory coach, it has been agreed that smoke detectors, emergency lighting and 240 volt heaters will be installed. The cost of the materials is to be met by the SVR Association and will be overseen by SVR paint shop staff on behalf of the Trust Company. 9084 carries GWR Hawksworth livery once more, despite having been delivered new in February 1951 in BR's carmine and cream colours. Its pedigree is GWR; it may as well carry its coat.
LMSR 6-wheeled parcels Brake No 32919
At Bridgnorth, drawings are being made to allow replacement of the heavily corroded gangway frames once restoration begins. A manufacturer has been approached, and volunteer Peter Cole is making a fully detailed engineering drawing. Meanwhile, costings have been coming in for the last two weeks for the many bolts, screws and steel that will be needed. It is intended to make an application for funding, based on these costs, to the Prism Fund in early January.
LMSR Open First No 7511
Table mounting brackets have been bent at Kidderminster for the first seven tables; reproduction LMSR carpet was laid in anticipation of the tables impending arrival in December. The first acrylic lamp shade was completed and installed on 7 December. Table top inserts covered by David Higgins at Kidderminster during November and December are now complete and varnished frames are being finished weekly during December. Curtain material purchased in November has been sent 'up north' for sewing by an NYMR-based seamstress.