Original SECR Paint Discovered
Whilst starting to clean up one of the sand boxes on Sunday, Jim Turtle not only discovered sand that has been in the sand boxes for at least 45 years, and possibly from BR days, but he also discovered the original Ashford applied paint. Whilst knocking off the "Corn flaked" paint, and rubbing down what was below, several liveries were discovered.
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| Jim Turtle rubbing down the sandbox revealing various liveries (Pictures by Clive Emsley) |
We are certain that the SECR livery we have found is indeed the original one as it seems to be below a layer of black, green and further black layers before the top layer of SECR style livery applied in 1962.
It is fairly obvious which layers were added in which order and by careful cleaning it will hopefully be possible to see the livery history of the locomotive.
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| The initial rubbed down area clearly showing the SECR lining disappearing below the later paint applications |
In the picture above, you can see the original lining disappearing below later layers of paint. It appears that the lining was covered by a layer of black when the loco was painted plain green during the SECR pre First World War period, and during it's ROD and grey liveried time. This can be seen around the centre of the picture at the edge of the rubbed down area. There then appears to be Maunsell Green applied which again can be seen towards the centre of the picture and to the right about half way up. The final layers of paint are black as applied in SR, BR and early Bluebell days. The state of the original paint is remarkable bearing in mind it was applied over 100 years ago!
The original paint will be, where possible, protected following further careful research to determine the layers of paint applied.
Other work that has been carried out
A fair amount of preparation and painting on various parts has been carried out over the last couple of weeks and a jolly fine finish has been achieved during the work.
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| One of the Vacuum pipe dummies given a high sheen finish. |
The vacuum pipe dummy has been stripped to its component parts, thoroughly cleaned and painted up to top coat. This has been given a high gloss finish to protect it whilst in storage.
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| Footstep supports |
The footstep supports have been given a thorough clean and have been painted black. these are located behind the footstep to give some triangulation and hold the step steady.
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| The footsteps and guard irons |
The footstep backing plates have been painted up to primer stage following a thorough clean. The top step angles are still attached as they are in reasonably good condition. The lower ones have been removed and will be re-manufactured shortly. All of the cast treads have been broken and a new set will need to be cast. Whilst this happens, it will be investigated if any other SECR step castings need to be replaced, and if they are the same size as the ones on the P class. The guard irons also seen in the picture have been given two or three coats of filling primer to take out the pitting that has occurred over the years. this has left a beautifully smooth finish and will look magnificent when painted into black gloss.
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| One of the hooks to stow the coupling on when not in use |
The hook in the picture is actually in very good condition, hardly any rust on it. this will be stripped of the old paint before being brought up to the standard of the previously seen vacuum dummy. This and many other small part restorations will keep us busy over the winter months, when we can only work indoors.
Thank you for reading this far I hope you have found it interesting.
Clive D. Emsley
Chairman - The Fenchurch Fund
Chairman - The Fenchurch Fund
Project Manager - PROJECT 27
A Sub-Committee of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
A Sub-Committee of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
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Or for Text donations Simply text "FENC72 £10" to 70070 to donate £10
- you can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10;
- you can also elect to Gift Aid your donation;
- your operator's standard text charge applies.
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