August and September Progress

Sunday 15th August 2010, Baron Street Works
Attendance: 2

The cab was the main focus of the day, which began with a rummage around support & stores coach 'Paddy'. The target items included wiper motors, associated brackets, floor sections, marker lights, door seals, route indicator boxes and window frames. Unfortunately the wiper motors proved illusive with only 1 of the 3 found, however as there was plenty to do they were left for another day.

Next was a trip to B&Q to aquire self-tapping screws for the window frames, this was via Castlecroft Yard to check if any other parts were hiding there, but nothing was found. Once back from B&Q the various parts were transferred from 'Paddy' by wheelbarrow and work began on the cab floor 'Jigsaw'. The floor parts had been cut from new some time ago and then stored - Adam and Jason are both good at Jigsaws and so this task was completed without much trouble! Work in the cab will be much easier with a solid floor in place.

Desk-side floor section before	... and with floor section part-fitted

Adam moved on to fitting the window frames with the newly purchased self tapping screws. The first was completed quickly but as the next window was fitted it was found that the screw holes in the bodywork of Ernest were of a smaller diameter so would need to be drilled out.

After lunch Adam continued drilling out the window frame screws holes while Jason investigated why the A end nose doors wouldn't shut properly. It was found to be one of the previously fitted route indicator boxes was fowling the other door. With the indicator box removed the door shuts properly, adjustments will be required at a later date. Indicator boxes were then fitted to the B end nose doors - these fit and the doors shut perfectly as they are.

Window prior to frame fitting	... and with frame in situ

With the cab floor now in place Jason and Adam also wanted to complete was fitting of the cab doors, so these were retrieved from storage in 'Paddy' and installed. Fitting of the door seals will be completed in the near future.

Despite a low turnout the two D9531 Stalwarts got plenty done, moving closer to Ernest's completion.

Completed floor section by cab door	Cab door refitted

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Sunday 26th September, Baron Street Works
Attendance: 3

Another day trying to locate various missing parts, beginning with a trip to the secure storage site in Bolton. Chris B, Jason and Andy all spent the morning over in Bolton scouring all the stored spares, sadly none of the missing parts were found there. Once back at Bury, the team looked again on all the wagons down Baron St and in amongst the spares lying next to the works - still no luck.

It would seem we have exhausted all options, having searched all the obvious areas. It is possible the items have been mistakenly scrapped or are hidden away and will turn up in 5 years time when we least expect it.

Some of the parts may be sourceable from other spares pools but, failing that, we may have to get replacements manufactured.