November 4 Update

So another month passes us by and this month has seen the majority of the work being carried out on largely completing the rear of the vehicle. The rear quarter can be seen here in the first picture and has been the source of most problems, as we know from records that RT8 took a nasty rear end crunch in the late 1940's. Where we have rebuilt the framework to original 1940 spec it would appear some of the panels had been modified to fit a slightly wonky rear end! However, it has been overcome and is all back together now. Worthy of note is the bottom panel on this quarter which is a unique 2RT2 feature. The steel panel that looks like it has beading around it when in fact this is purely a slightly raised edge to give the impression of beading and this conplete the symmetery of criss crossing beading.


A slightly different view this time taken from a conveniently parked open top.



The rear end is largely now complete as can be seen from this image. Glazing, beading and blind boxes are all now in place. The only problem is now when you walk in to the 'barn' you think its almost finished and then you see the rest of it!


The latest area being seen to is the platform and lower saloon. As can be seen the ceiling has gone in around the platform and this progress will continue through the month as the lower saloon is brought up to the same stage as the upper one, with ceilings and side panels all being added. The unseen area that holds the battery cradle and the conductors 'cubby hole' are also all being finished off.


And finally the cab area, now all stripped down and ready for the the framework to start going back on. A couple of metal brackets that have rotted away need to be recreated before we can start reinstating this area. Hopefully if the progress on the lower saloon is good this month we will get started in earnest on the cab. Who knows maybe the scaffolders will give us a confirmed date and the roof can go back on... well pop back next month and find out what exactly was tackled next on this project