Original GUV

I know that the work stopped on the guv in preparation for the gala but has it progressed since then at all. It seems to have gone very quiet about it.

 

A combination of a harsh winter and more deserving projects have prevented any progress on W86500.

Funnily enough the vehicle was being discussed yesterday during a planning meeting, and all being well we may see progress this year. In true preservation style however we're making no promises!

 

Thanks for that Chris,I know you guys are busy on the dmu front with the centre coach still having a lot of work to be done on it. Will Dave still be working on the GUV at Oakamoor ?

 

Yes we'll be putting efforts into both our operational vehicles and centre car this year. The GUV remains a contract "side" project, hence the flexible time-scale that is in operation.

2010 saw us completely absorbed with our three engine failures, and we're pleased to say that that particular chapter is now drawing to a close (touch wood!). The latest replacement engine "took power", actually moving the vehicle, for the first time last Sunday. The 2011 season will see the DMU back to its old, 4 engines rasping, self!!

 

3 cars 4 engines? Or have I got that wrong? Maybe there's two to a car and one's a trailer?

 

Correct

 

Chris,What is the full list of wagon sand guvs that belong to your group. Is the centre coach at the diesel gala going to be yours or the one you hired in previously?

 

The diesel gala centre coach is the hired one. We don't have any wagons, but the full list of DMUs and coaches is available on our website's vehicle page.

 

Is the original GUV that's under restoration the one that I have seen a photo of in Cheddleton carriage shed today, and does that mean that it will fast tracked to be completed.

 

Indeed, W86500 is now indoors again, this time at Cheddleton, and welding work is currently under-way.

Don't know much more at the moment, but I can speculate that as much work as possible will be done whilst the shed space is being used!

 

Update now on the website.

 

This week has seen further progress on the Prototype GUV W86500. Welding repairs to two sets of door pillars are now complete (with two to go) following which preparations for the repaint should begin, as the bodywork repairs draw to a conclusion.

The roof is now fully cleaned off and nearly (80%) in primer.

Work also continues on the four side windows and the wooden end doors.

 

Thanks for the update Chris, What livery or colour is it going to finished in and approx. when will it be finished.

 

Colour = Original 1956 Crimson
Completion = Some day after today!

 

Saw the Guv on Wednesday, Roger was working on it, looks good so far. How much longer have you got the carriage shed for?

 

The end loading doors have now been refitted to the vehicle.

 

Nice one Chris, won't be long before it's done by the look of it, the original GUV saved from the scrapyard well done to all concerned.

 

Metalwork is now complete, and the vehicle has had its bodysides shot blasted ready for the bodywork/repaint to begin. An update with plenty of images of the last months work is here.

 

Thanks for that Chris, Went down today to see the GUV didn't recognise it from what I saw 2 weeks ago, great progress at this rate will be ready in a few weeks

 

Chris, going to Cheddleton tomorrow is the GUV still in the C&W shed, hows it progressing.