Another good day and I even managed to remember my camera. Jim and Paul spent the day rubbing down celiling boards to remove the almost invisible machining marks that showed up when we stained them.  Jim also brought some samples of offcuts that had been rubbed down, stained and varnished.  They look superb.  Stephen and I spent the morning working out how to fit the canopy bends.  This involved rubbing off paintwork from the bulkheads so that we could be sure how the landings fitted.  Then everything became clear.

This is how the tram is looking at the moment you can see  the canopy bends stored inside. The rubbing rails are all on.  At last we are starting to see what the finished vehicle will look like, even on the inside.

This is what B end is starting to look like.  The fixed screen on the right is propped in position and is varnished and ready for fitting.  The refurbished door is ready for fitting when we get the door brackets cast and finished.  The left hand screen is made except for one rail and then will be finally assembled and varnished. 

After lunch Stephen and I started to fit the ceiling boards and put the centre one in first putting two screws at each rib.  Some of the ribs have twisted slighty so a sash cramp was put on them to get them vertical before the screw holes were drilled.

Here you can see the patent rib straightener in action.

Here you can see what we are trying to create with alternate light and dark timbers. The dark centre one is fully fitted and we made a start on the light one to its right. The clamps are holding them tightly together.

 It was good to see this progress and away fron the tram we have now managed to find how the seats were made thanks to the staff at Crich who let us look at the seat construction on Chesterfield 8.  It was also good to see Bernard back today after his recent stay in hospital.