Good afternoon all. Having endured the pouring rain of Rail Ale last week, it was pleasant to return to Tyseley in sunnier and warmer conditions. Today, as usual, I was put to work cleaning up the cab of 1950-built Castle Class No7029 "Clun Castle". The BR (W) 4-6-0 won't be appearing on tomorrows Shakespeare Express as "Bahamas" is doing one last job for us before heading home. However, 7029 will be back in action on the next one, scheduled for two weeks tomorrow. I was quite happy with the results of todays efforts, with "Clun"s cab positively beaming...
Behind "Clun", hiding in the relatively new annex shed, was elder sister 5043. The "Earl" is now waiting for her turn in the overhaul queue and seems to look on at her younger sister with jealousy. That's the only shame with steam engines: at best they have a 10-year shelf life before they need an overhaul. The "Earl" in particular seemed to retire in better condition than most restoration jobs enter service but still needs to be overhauled nonetheless. What a great engine she has been...
Out in the hazy summer afternoon weather was "Bahamas", strutting cautiously up and down the demo line as final preparation checks were made. The engine has been polished up beautifully again following her soaking wet visit to York last Saturday. Much like the Tyseley fleet, "Bahamas" is a credit to her owners...
After grabbing one last snap of the Jubilee (she'll be gone by the time I'm next here), I went back to "Clun Castle" to finish up in the cab. The final task is always the light application of Vaseline, used to prevent tarnish. It's such a shame to have your efforts wasted by the condensation of one damp night if you forget to apply this protective coating! Thanks for reading again all. I'm next at Tyseley in three weeks time for the Gloucester job. Plenty to do between now and then mind: we're moving house next week! Wish us luck - we're going to need it! Cheers all, Sam...
