Our 80 Class power car 69 has seen a lot of rapid progress over the last month or so. During the shunting for the Moyexit locomotive arrivals, Project Manager Robert had the wheeze of using the Gallery platforms to get 69’s side door (recently refurbished) back into place, rather than struggle with lifting it up using trestles.
With a wee bit of help from Chris Johnston and yells of “PIVOT!”, the refurbished door swung nicely on its hinges – a huge relief as due to the required body refurbishment work the hinges had had to be removed and there was no guarantee that they would line up again, even if we were using the original holes.
Over the next few days, the brand new doorposts, made by MJM Marine, were fettled down to allow a satisfying SLAM.
But that’s not all. The end dome over the vestibule has also been reinstated, and in a move that seemingly shocked his colleagues, all four passenger saloon windows on the ASDA side have now been refitted.
Robert and Niall have also continued the tedious but necessary task of applying and smoothing filler to ensure that the bodywork is finished to optimum standard when the time for final painting arrives.
Still a good bit of work to do, but 69 is starting to look like a carriage again.
If you like to help us get this 80 class finished we’d love to hear from you, visit our volunteering page for more information.
Any donations, small or large, are also very much appreciated. You can donate to this project here.