Progress has slowed on this coach as the main focus of volunteer effort has been required on the lottery project and also due to the fact that NYMR has had a cash flow problem, so the expected financial help has not being forthcoming. The vestibule ceilings are now both complete and ready for covering with vinyl, while the toilet and centre corridor ceiling panels are complete and awaiting the completion of the plumbing before they can be finished. The above ceiling plumbing is now complete, with the pipe work made with Hep2o plastic pipe to avoid potential frost damage.
In the saloon Len Clarke has covered the waist and window beads with vinyl and material prepared for the ceiling and other wall beads. The second production prototype of the bucket seat has been returned from the upholsterer. There are still some details of the seat which we are not happy with which will have to be addressed before an order is placed. A second quote will now be sought although much progress in the near future is not likely due to the NYMR not making a contribution at this time.
The NYMR does badly need another open coach in traffic and 56856 is almost certainly the cheapest option that is available to them. When all the estimates for completion are ready we have been asked to submit a funding request to the NYMR board.
Len Clarke has been making good the ravages of winter.
Work has now commenced on the first of the two lottery funded coaches.
Asbestos has been removed by a specialist contractor from the toilet compartments behind the water heaters, in the saloon from behind the radiators and the steam main below the floor.
The coach has been stripped of all internal and external panelling and the roof canvas and fittings. All the bodyside doors have been removed for overhaul and the windows removed. One unexpected problem was that approximately eight feet of cant rail was rotten at the toilet end of the coach. This has now been replaced. The toilet tanks have been taken down and the support brackets cleaned and painted. All of the roof sticks (or carlines) have had the screws removed and replaced by coach bolts. Also the knee irons and tie bolts have been removed and the waist rail knees on one side have been replaced and the vertical teak panels replaced where necessary and the rest stripped of paint and sanded. The waist rail splices on both sides, in the middle of the saloon have had a major repairs carried out.
A major boost has been the recent provision of an electricity supply to this building. This has made many tasks very easy and is proving to be a great time saver.
Not an LNERCA coach, but mentioned here to let everyone know that the NYMR's new volunteer accommodation at Pickering is now open - contact Simon Prince or the office in Park Street (01751 473799), if you wish to make use of this rather splendid vehicle.
We are always ready to welcome new members and volunteers to the Association. If you are interested in helping with our projects in any capacity please contact John Curtis on 01751 474874.
Andrew Daniel 28th May 2001
Read last newsletter (September 2000)
© 2001 L.N.E.R. Coach Association.