25.2.14

This weather is getting more and more unpredictable, and actually its going in our favor. It started off a bit dull, with a light drizzle so work began on re-attaching the steam valve back to the tank. It was a frustrating job, with it being a tight fit onto the bracket. The only way it went back on was with the assist of a piece of scrap metal used as a hammer. Then it was bolted back into position, however its gone in without gaskets. This should not prove a problem as there is no plans to store anything inside as of yet.

With the weather clearing, and the sun appearing it made perfect conditions to apply more gloss. Over the weekend Keith has treated the ladder to some gloss, leaving areas un-done where appropriate. These areas have now been glossed and the ladder is now sitting upon the adjacent conflat in its lovely black finish. This will be re-attached hopefully next week.

Meanwhile, more gloss was applied to the east side of the barrel. As the photo attached shows, only the north east top end and just right of the ladder need their first coats.

Copyright Tommy Lees 2014

On the extreme left of the photo you can see the re-attached steam valve.

The afternoon looked dull, so we went looking for the pipe work. All the parts we have are now together and again will be fitted in due course. The nuts and bolts do require our attention first though. Its also became apparant, apart from parts which we already knew need to be made, that there is also some other parts missing. Once work starts on A6581, we will be able to see if the parts are compatable, they should be as they are built almost the same, and we will get new ones made. Until then, a possible plan is to fit cork sheets to seal the pipe. Either that or leave them off, with nothing being stored in it the pipes are deemed surplus. However it would be nice to see A6071 in its former glory, with the pipes attached.

Still a list of jobs to do however a finish is so close. We feel we are actually closer then we originally predicted, however October is still the date we want to see A6071 in the freight train. Before would be nice though