Let there be light. There hasn’t been much progress on 80 Class 69, with preparations for our 40th Anniversary getting in the way, as well as other stuff – but what HAS happened is a bit of a milestone.
For the first time since 69 came into the shed – its vestibule lights now work. These were one of the very things to come off 69’s vestibule when it was shunted in, as over the years they’d filled up with rusty water from the leaky hatch above.
And what’s even more extraordinary, apart from being all shiny and clean now – is that they work. No mean feat as we’d been left with four different grey leads that weren’t numbered… so it was a case of switch on and hope for no BANGS.
Also, the Central Door Locking (CDL) panels above the doors are now also refitted. These have been de-rusted and repainted, and new corner pieces fitted, after been specially made and welded by Metalcraft Engineering Ltd. to replace the sort-of bodge that had been there when central door locking was retrofitted into the 80 Class, now looking like they’ve always been there.
Apart from that, work continues on the isoponing and hopefully more windows will be going in soon, and as always if you’re good with vehicle bodyworking and would like to give us a hand please drop us a line.
