Winter 2025/26
Throughout the winter, work has continued steadily on 731. Jim has started the endless task of lining out the mouldings in gold, after they had been painted black. Peter has been carrying out the paint snagging of both black and maroon, and he has also worked on the panelling of No 1 end toilet. This toilet was completely wrecked in the Class 25 incident at Falkirk, but has now been reinstated with new framing and panels. Just one internal panel remains to be done.
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The ceilings have been given two coats of primer/sealer, and the whole compartments cleaned up. Further, an order has been placed for new Fleur-de-Lys moquette as fitted to the Drummond corridor thirds. Present thinking is to retain the early LMS fabric as presently fitted to the two end compartments and re-upholster the others where the material is beyond repair.
The main focus of work has, because of the winter weather, been inside the carriage. All the detritus, parts, tools etc have been removed from Compartments 2,3,4,and 7 and the ceilings have been brushed down carefully with a hand brush and all loose and flaking Navy Light Grey paint has been removed. Where possible, the Alhambrine ceiling panels ( a Lincrusta like cardboard substance) have been retained, but in some cases a repair with thin plywood has had to be made where the Alhambrine was just too brittle.
Sincere thanks to all who have helped.
Please donate to the 731 fund if you can. Thanks!