'Ivan' Restoration 10 (October - December 2007)

In 2006 a group of young members were encouraged to take on the restoration of GNR(I) 20 ton brake van No.81, affectionately known as 'Ivan'.

James and Adam add a chamfer to the top edge of an outer board. Although supplied with a chamfer top and bottom, the exterior timber only had a chamfer on the top edge - so the youths are mounting it back to front and chamfering the other side.

Adam paints the timber for the Larne end veranda. As the weather got damper and colder the painting operation was moved indoors.

Edward cuts out a carefully measured amount from the 2½" thick floorboard.

Some steelwork parts were pushed off the frame by heavy corrosion, but after scrubbing and painting they were ready to go back on. Dave is replacing a rivet using the pneumatic hammer.

The final gloss topcoat has been applied! James screws the finished planks into place for the last time.

Edward and Mark fit the nuts and bolts to fix the planks to the frames.

The inner layer of tongue and groove went in simultaneously as the bolts penetrate each layer.

Work starts on painting the eleven foot cabin side planks.