Summer 2025
Since the spring, and with somewhat higher temperatures and more light, work has been continuing apace on 731. Undercoating the vehicle in maroon is complete, with thanks to Jim Orrmiston although a second coat is needed and is now well under way. Before the maroon was applied, the whole body was rubbed down, and further sanding has been done between coats. Top coating of the corridor side in matched G&SWR maroon is imminent. Peter has been working away on the bogie wheels: these originally had brown centres and white tyres and we are going to reinstate this. Jim Grady has very kindly fixed the two delinquent doors on the compartment side, and this means that all the doors now shut and lock as intended.
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Jim Summers has continued his excellent work on lettering the compartment doors - this really makes a difference. The plan is to have the whole body into gloss before the winter and if time permits, to fit at least some of the glazing. We will then move back on to the interior.
Sincere thanks to all who have helped.
Please donate to the 731 fund if you can. Thanks!