Saloon Interior

This view shows the nearside after removal of original panels which were past repair.

Material has been purchased to make new panels.

Cab Nearside

Our attention focused on the first panel at the cab end, just behind the front wheel arch which, during its time off 243 (when the area behind it was refurbished), had been dented. All the panels on that side are quite straight forward as the edges butt-up to each other except the front one which has, for want of a better word, a uniform kink on the leading edge so that it fits under the cab panel. The technical term for this kink is a 'joggle' and is best pressed by a specialist (see photograph left).

Floor Hatch Coaming

The motor access area shown far left with rear hatch cover removed to show the new steel angle, with the corners welded, lying in place. Also, above it, the new n/s wheel arch seat end panel with a coating of Hammerite.

Rebuilding of the Rear Platform

The job of lining up the individual wooden slats on the platform was achieved after many various measurements and the use of setting blocks to the correct spacing and uniformity meant that work could commence.The lengthy process of screwing each of the 24 slats to the platform was undertaken but not before the underside of each slat was coated with varnish. It did take a couple of visits to complete the job and the one final touch was the application of a stain varnish to the upper surface of the slats.

With the slats complete the next item was to position the centre platform pole and determine how it was secured at the upper end, and once agreed upon much head scratching as to where on the platform the pole went through, but once agreed upon a suitable hole was drilled and the pole lined up.

Progress of the Front Body Structure

To complete the picture a number of the lower body panels from the front down the offside, received a coat of temporary paint and the view adjacent shows the present effect.