5199
 
Every now and then (or our case all the time) we get together, enjoy a bit of banter, and get covered in muck. The 23rd-24th October was just such a weekend.
 
A big thanks to all who turned up and dived underneath 5199, the all being Quentin, Mick, Spud, John, Max, Hank, Ian and myself. The result was 5199 became a little cleaner underneath, and everyone's washing machines became a little more worn out due to the amount of dirt carried home on Sunday evening!
 
It was also a successful weekend in terms of jobs done that didn't need passing onto the full time staff, saving them a job, and us a few quid on the way. A final list of jobs was passed to Dave Owen, these include:

• Axleboxes modified to improve oiling up.
• Resleeving the front pony truck as there is too much play in the barrel.
• Some patch screws are to be fitted in the firebox.
• Fitting a new W valve and a live steam injector valve as the old ones are life expired.

 
I am pleased to say that the removal of all five wheelsets went without a hitch on the 7th November...
well no one is telling me if there were any so I assume everything went well!

She is now up on blocks outside the shed and there is a planned working weekend this coming Saturday, 10th-11th, so we can steam clean as much as possible before  the wheelsets go away to the South Devon Railway for re-tyreing.
 
So with 5199 progressing well we can turn our attention to 6880
 
6880
 
A drag box drawing has been supplied by the WSR and although not a genuine Swindon drawing it is taken off the 'limits and fits' book, and it may well do the job 'as is' or it may require slight alteration. A pattern doesn't exist as a polystyrene one was used so it is lost in the casting process.

Mick Prior has kindly taken on the role of Merchandising, with assistance from  Spud and Kerry. We now have the option of selling 'online' through the website, and the range will also be expanded. We are also stocking the stand with lots of railway books to make it more attractive when we are out and about. Mick has also placed an order for some 'goodies', but won't yet reveal what they are. Watch this space...

Will Naylor