The east end has been completely re-built with new flexitors, new wooden headset, new arch, new rubber diaphragm held in place with new clamping strips, new treadplate, refurbished gangway with new anti-friction pads and new hood fitted. The west end is now being similarly treated. The gangway will be lifted back onto the vehicle on Monday and then connected up.

The steam heater elements have been cleaned and painted and laid next to the vehicle ready for re-fitting in due course.

All the new bodyside sheeting has been welded in, welds wire brushed inside and primed and all the internal surfaces have been given a liberal coating of black bitumen paint for protection. The hardwood for the heaters to attach to has been fitted. After the flooring has been laid, we will cover the wood with cement board (in lieu of the asbestos previously) and re-fit the heaters.

The outside of the vehicle has been de-greased, etched, filled and primed on the northern side. Colin is starting to stopper and sand any imperfections ready for undercoat. The undercoat and gloss have arrived this morning. Half of the south side will be ready for primer by the end of today, with only one quarter of the vehicle left to be filled etc.

In the former toilet area, the new varnished end panels have been fitted, and Owen is making a skirting board for that area. This will be black gloss and protect the paneling from damage from prams, pushchairs wheels etc. Should the skirting get scuffed (which undoubtedly it will) it can easily be touched up with black gloss.

We have made a start removing the old varnish from the internal partitions and bulkheads. They have come up very nicely and will look inkeeping with the new veneer paneling in the saloons.

Next week the overhauled locks are due back from the Severn Valley, and I have two flooring companies booked in to give me prices to supply and fit the marmoleum. I also want to discuss availability so we get it done at the right time. I’m in the process of ordering the new rubbers for the toplight sliding windows. I’m just waiting for the clamping wood to be delivered and we can start re-fitting the window frames.