Controller refitted

The Z6 controller and handbrake column have been put back onto the No.2 end cab floor in advance of the steel framed end being fitted this week.

Cab floor fitted

In preparation for the steel framed ends being fitted, rapid progress has been made fitting the new plywood cab floor. Arcen Construction, a local Blackpool firm, is making the cab framing but in advance of this the hand-brake and Z6 controller will be refitted.

279 now fitted with Railcoach underframe

Another milestone in the restoration of 279 has been achieved today - the refitting of a Railcoach shaped cab underframe. The steelwork is actually the same shape as a Balloon car and, now fitted, work can progress rapidly on fitting a cab floor and then the new steel framed cab ends.

A cab door has been borrowed off Balloon Car 704 to help inform the shape of the cab framing.

Cab end prepared for new underframe

The No.2 cab end has been prepared for its new underframe which has involved removing the brake pipe work and sorting out all traction and auxiliary wiring.

It is hoped to have the traditional Railcoach style cab underframe refitted next weekend and as soon as this is in place, the fabrication of the end framing will commence.