Work on getting the 5’s boiler ready for sending to Tyseley is nearly complete: There has been much hard work by many people to get the boiler freed on the frames and the stripped of flues & tubes. Too many people to mention all of them, but a special mention for Jim & John Street who spent rather a lot of time in undignified poses under the smokebox saddle taking bolts out.



Tapping the firebox tubeplate flue holes was carried out this weekend (16th & 17th Feb 2008). Thanks to everyone involved in what turned out to be a fairly marathon session: They were (at various times) Tom, Kevin, James, Hugh, Gerry, Gary & Alison with a guest appearance from Steve Lockley towards the end of Sunday. Special thanks to Alan & Alex who were busy painting Cromwell’s tender on the next road over and supplied tea when spirits were flagging. Thanks also to Sean from S&T who came past just to have a look round the shed on Sunday evening and stopped to give a hand to manhandle to tools down off wagon afterwards including the tapping bar. A very big thank you to Mick Carr who came in on his day off to make a new nut for the tapping bar when we found out that the original one was missing. Mark Bretherton’s efforts to install new lighting in the shed came in very handy as much of the work took place after sundown…



We also have to thank all of the people who have worked on getting the steam crane back into traffic so that the boiler can be craned out of the frames. Although not a 5305LA project, your efforts are much appreciated. The crane looks very smart in black livery.



Other 5305 news work on the coach continues – Gerry, Hugh & Alan have nearly finished painting the underside of the body. Alan has also made significant progress on refurbishing the bogie dampers, and the interior is progressing thanks to Tony and his team. Mark gets another mention for his wiring expertise, this time on the coach. Once the boiler is away at Tyseley attention will be focussed on the coach once again.



“Sir Lamiel” has been doing sterling service on the GCR since returning from Southall. Lamiel has been on both passenger and “footplate experience” Satisfied customers all round, it would appear – the following appeared on the GCR’s email newsletter “As for the footplate experience, it was fantastic. Our driver, Alison, and fireman, Simon, were excellent - what a team. I cannot praise them enough for putting me at ease and for their guidance. Being on the footplate of 30777 Sir Lamiel was an incredible experience and one I shall always treasure”.



Finally, a big thank you to those who have already sent in Standing Order forms to the treasurer – a regular income is a great help to manage the budget and cover the unexpected bills that always crop up. Anyone who wants to participate in this scheme can get a form by writing to 5305 LA, Sandcroft, Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, Newark, NG22 8HH. (or you could just send a donation! – cheques payable to 5305 Locomotive Association)