C Exam

977391/977392

Early January saw 977391 returned to storage, now a stripped shell; and 977392 took its place at Cheddleton. Another big push has seen an entire mechanical set of components removed from the vehicle, along with all the useful fittings above floor level. In less than two weeks the vehicle was deemed ready for disposal. Some last minute decisions mean there are a handful of parts still

W86500

Throughout the month, some of the less mechanical members have continued the restoration of the prototype General Utility Van. On the outside, the second steam heat valve has been fitted and the new droplights installed. The vehicle is now therefore officially watertight for the first time since the windows were smashed whilst in storage at Crewe. A “reconnaissance mission” was undertaken, involving a visit to the Great Western Society’s Carriage & Wagon department at Didcot, with a view to getting accurate information about the vehicle’s original lettering. The door handles have also been sent away for polishing, which has returned them to their original (shiny!) brass glory.

Internally, painting is nearly complete, with the floor now having been painted. Only the “blackboard” panels and the planking which goes on the insides of the doors now remain unpainted. The woodwork is also on the home straight, with all the interior window surrounds now fully repaired, fitted and painted. Interestingly, on two of the window surrounds, we found the original machinist’s name stamped into the wood (see image). Is Mr Whittaker still alive we wonder?