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This month has seen steady if unspectacular progress. Lee Sharpe
took away the sheeting removed from the saloon to use as
patterns to make replacements. These were made near his base
outside Derby and will be test fitted shortly. Lee also
removed the remaining sheeting from the corridor and brake area
on the same side. This has revealed some issues that will need
to be addressed but these were not unexpected. The two main
issues are that water has entered between solebar and the steel
bearer causing the latter to become distorted. This is a
particular problem in door areas where it is easier for water to
enter.
The second problem was that the framing in the corner of the
brake compartment has deteriorated significantly. Again, this is
not unexpected.
The first problem will have to be addressed by cutting out
the steel bearer, cleaning the steel to remove corrosion and
then refitting the bearer and the timber that sits on top of
this. This procedure will need to be used on around fifteen feet
of the side in the brake area. A similar problem affects the end
of the coach across the gangway.
Problems with the corner pillar were expected. An identical
coach (4367) is currently undergoing restoration on the MidHants
and this problem has been found on this coach. In our case, we
have removed the section of framing and this will be dismantled
and used to make patterns. Sufficient work has been done on this
to confirm the size of timber required and quotes for the
replacement hardwood (Iroko) are in hand. Hopefully the patterns
will have been completed by the time the timber arrives.
In the meantime, the sound framing has been treated with
preservative and primed to give it additional protection. Some
further tasks remain to be finished before test fitting the side
sheeting. |