Bluebell Visit.
 
The Bluebell visit was a fantastic day out for Quentin and myself, we were looked after very well by Lewis and Chris, the footplate ride on 9017, and a chance to drive being one of the highlights.
 
The 125 Bluebell Gala on the 11th and 12th August is now an event we are very keen to attend with the 6880 'Roadshow'.
 
I urgently want a response from anyone who can help out.
 
This will involve driving down Friday night and two nights camping. We will be based on Horsted Keynes station, footplate passes can be made available. There is a members train on the Saturday evening with the C Class and the Q1 doing the whole length of the line, possibly including the new extension. On the Sunday afternoon, following the cavalcade (where did they get this idea from?) the Bullied Pacific's are doing a 12 coach non-stop run.
It will be a long weekend and unfortunatly it is not all play as we have a stand to man, but you will be seeing the Blubell Railway at its best, and, if you have never visited before you will be seduced by its charms!
 
Please let me know ASAP if you can help out.
 
 
6880.
 
The Frames are now being riveted together in the workshops at Llangollen by Adam and Dan. The last time I saw them the front stretcher had been completed and they were working of the middle two, with the aim is to have all four finished by the end the week.

The patterns for the hornnguides should be finished very soon and we will be leaving it up to Dave Owen to source a foundry and acquire the correct metal specifications needed.

We are also working on a final design for the dragbox, and we have been given the option of a fab/weld, fab/rivet or a cast design, so we will have to make a decision soon on the best design.

The window has now been glazed on the drivers side (At Last!) with the new frame cast by the Earlstoke Manor group.
 
Working weekend.
 
The working weekend of the 30th June-1st July saw a good turnout on both days. The cab window was glazed, and as part of our 'giving back' initiative, two lampposts were dugout of platform 2 ready for rewiring and installing the new GWR patten type. The new lamp posts were given a coat of paint as well.

 
The container had a much needed clearout as too much time was spent looking for nuts and washers that were right under our noses.....
 
Ian Massey and I took a look at the boiler, we are hoping that it will be moving to the loco works soon to be prepared for de-tubing, we also see the wasps have moved back in so there is another little job to attend too as well!

Next working weekend is the 28th 29th July, as always everyone is welcome!
 
Gala 2 News.
 
The dates are have now been approved the next gala.......wait for it ........

18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th April 2009
 
Remember nothing is final yet, we will of course update you when we can.

 
Will Naylor