The last update was in February of this year and we are now making great strides forwards. Everything under the wagon is now complete with the exception of the safety straps for the brake rods. We now have the steel for this and will be fabricating and fitting them over the next few weeks.

As can be seen from the latest photo taken on the 25th June we have made a start on fitting the end and side planking. Infact we also now have the bottom 5 boards fitted to the east end as well. Prior to starting the planking we removed the previously fitted floorboards and treated the main frame with a clear preservative. Another day was spent heating and slightly bending the knees so they all lined up within ¼". This should make the finished wagon look much better. When the ‘T’ Irons were fitted to the west end headstock they appeared to be very straight and vertical but by the time we had fitted the planking and corned plates we could see that they were infact leaning in a little, so the whole end was removed as one section and the headstock worked on to compensate for the slight twist that had appeared as it has been drying out over the last two years. It all looks right now and as Pete Davis is often want to say, If it looks right it must be right.

When we first tried the brakes there were very loud creaks and groans from the wagon. This was found the be the frames moving in their joints as due to shrinkage as the timbers continue to dry out all the bolts holding the frames together have become completely loose. A day or so will be needed under the wagon to tighten them all up again. It is quite surprising how much timber can shrink as it dries out. The planking for the top was ordered ½" oversize to allow for planning. By the time we came to use it had shrunk so much all we have had to do is sand it down.

We will finish fitting the planking and make up the end and side doors over the next few months and then before it can be painted we have all the small parts like 'Horse Hooks' to fit. If anyone knows where we can get some of the spring plates for labels we would be glad to hear from them.

The Wagon Team - Peter Davis, Edward Lobjoit and Gerry Leyman.