Spring 2025

While it may appear that there has not been a lot happening with 731, in fact work has been carrying on, if not at pace, then very steadily. Following completion of the body structure, advantage has been taken of the warmer weather to continue the more cosmetic aspects of the restoration. On the Underframe, the solebars, headstocks and buffer casings have all been rubbed down by wire brushing and then treated to a coat of undercoat dark grey.

Rub tests have shown that, like G&SWR brake van 122, the solebars etc were G&SWR maroon rather than the black which had previously assumed. The bogies, too, have been brushed down and undercoated: these are in excellent condition all round. On the body, the whole compartment side has been filled up and sanded down and then undercoated in grey. On the corridor side, all the lower panels have similarly been filled and sanded prior to undercoating, and the process of treating the upper panels and mouldings (all original G&SWR) has begun.

Inside, Jim has started the process of adding the 3 ciphers and vehicle number to the doors. Huge thanks to all who have helped.

Please donate to the 731 fund if you can. Thanks!

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