Blood and custard livery has been applied to the bodywork, plus the new Trust crest.
The overhaul of the Mk1 support coach No. 17015 for No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester is progressing well at Rampart Engineering, Barrow Hill.
The bodywork is now complete. All seven windows on the compartment side were removed to access and repair the erosion caused by water ingress, along with some of the door pillars which has allowed the doors to be realigned. An LPG bottle cabinet and pipework is now fitted, leaving only the cooker and water heater to connect up. The brake cylinders have been overhauled and refitted.
The next job is to lift the coach, remove the bogies and overhaul them, clean and paint the chassis, which is all due to be completed by the end of April. Upon its return to Tyseley Locomotive Works, members of the support crew will complete the internal fittings – including finishing the kitchen and creating a workshop. The coach also requires a new set of batteries – donations are being sought towards the circa £2500 cost. Visit www.theduke.uk.com for details.