Sammy Strimmer back from the Strimmer Hospital!

On my way to the Rocks By rail Museum today I got a phone call from the Strimmer Hospital to inform me that Sammy Strimmer was now fully recovered and ready to be picked up and so I diverted my journey to do just that.

Back at the Museum, Sammy was pleased to be reunited with his chum Morris Mower and both were soon put to good use! I ventured into the Boneyard where days upon days over the Winter had been spent clearing the vegetation. Unfortunately much has grown back!

However, it is young growth and what took me about four days to clear was cleared with Sammy in about forty minutes!

There is still a lot more to do but with a good head of steam a couple of hours later this month should see what I cleared over the Winter cleared again.

I did note that Sue has emptied the clam buckets of the rather uninspiring vegetation that grew in them and is no doubt on the way to creating something more inspiring.

Did I mention steam? Well, steam loco Uppingham was hauled out of the Exhibition Centre looking somewhat bare as the cab has been removed and now sits at the back of the Restoration shed.

This gives easier access to the firebox and for work on the saddle tank, 

And so David, Alex and Thomas moved in with grinders and wire brushes to remove rust and debris.

Back in the Restoration Shed John is continuing work on the Southern brake van aided by Dave. 

The metal floor is close to being ready to plank in wood and just needs painting.

Further up the Restoration Shed, steam loco Barrington is slowly coming together with pipework and sandboxes receiving a black top coat of paint.

So, another good day at the Museum and one where I go home with a sense of satisfaction!