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Changes
Update to restoration progress
==Restoration==
Much progress with its restoration has been made, the continued rate of which will depend largely on the raising of funds for materials. A new pair of veranda side doors and replacement opening window frames have been made, and the end hatch is being restored. The layers of paint were removed from the interior, when it was found that its first, "as built" internal finish was scumble grained in imitation beech and cedar with a light oak ceiling. The number 17410 was stenciled opposite the guard's seat in pink lettering, with the word "CARDIFF" (presumably its first allocation) below. Its later (presumed BR) interior finish was off white (ivory) and bauxite with a white ceiling. Regular progress reports and detailed pictures are posted on [http://www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk/gwrtoad17410prog2016.html LNER(SVR)Coach Fund Toad Progress Page]
Much of the steelwork, the entire wooden floor and most of the side/end/roof planking needs replacing. The tyres need to be turned to remove flats. Vacuum cylinder, brakegear pins and bushes must be refurbished. A new stove and roof canvass will be essential.
New veranda side and end plates,underfloor support plates, kerb rails and corner posts were made and fitted by Mawley Engineering Ltd between 18-20th October 2016 to replace the thoroughly rotten originals. However the very prominent waist level angle irons, the two vertical "T" sections at the end, and the two side door slam posts were in good condition and have been refurbished and re-used. The new structure was seal welded to prolong its life expectancy, but volunteers have commenced the time consuming job of drilling the new steelwork for snap head rivets which will maintain the authentic look.
Fortunately the steelwork at the van sides and end seems to be was mostly restorable, and after emptying many broken drawhooks and worn out brake blocks from the sandboxes and ballast bin (under the end windows and hatch), the rust and life expired end section of kerb rail were removed. The floor plate (and hence the end of the body) had been lifted about half an inch by rust scale which was removed prior to the said plate being seam welded to the headstock to prevent a repetition. A replacement kerb rail and floor strengthening angle iron were also welded in place, and the ballast replaced. The steel lower van sides were suffering starting to suffer from rust due to water ingress, and a through the failed seals. A new sealing system is being tried, involving more steel angle, seam welded to the top inside edge of the original steel plates. It'll be s invisible, saves much "original fabric", and hopefully will improve 17410's longevity. In May 2017 the new floor was installed; made from 3" thick Douglas Fir tongue and groove boards. The planking for the side and roof repairs arrived later that month, . By 11th July both sides had been refurbished with new lower planking and a start made on replacing the first of several new side end planks fitted on 10th Junewhich were generally worse.
To finance the restoration The SVR Charitable Trust is seeking donations and component sponsorship, both of which can be Gift Aided. A form can be accessed by clicking on the link [http://www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk/Donations_and_Gift_aid_TOAD_17410_form.pdf SVR Charitable Trust TOAD Donation Form].Thank you.
