Autumn 2022
We had hoped that it would be possible to complete the beading on the compartment side of 731 by the end of the autumn, and happily this has turned out to be the case. There are 187 separate elements of the beading on this side: as we are replicating the processes originally used in the vehicle's construction, these all have to be manufactured and fitted individually.
Once again we are very grateful to Don and the C&W team for making up the long beading strips for us. The cantrail strips are a different size and these had to be individually made.
The beading up process started at No 2 end and we worked our way along to No 1 end, section by section. When these had all been done, the doors were next for treatment. The waist sections were put in first, followed by the bottom rail. Eventually, after three and a half months, the beading is now all done. The next stage will be priming, followed by much filling and sanding.
Please donate to the 731 fund if you can. Thanks!