Some positive, if not very visual news this week: we finally got the old Crittall door on the north side of the signalbox to lock. This has been a surprising challenge, as the modern (and more secure) bolt is longer than the original. That is, we've had to cut away at the depth of the rectangular hole in the steel frame, using only handheld tools. After a previous abortive attempt, a new volunteer was able to source some tungsten carbide burrs, and get the job done at last. Some cosmetic polishing would be nice, but not at all important at the present.
It's hard to find an exact date, but this must be the first time we've had a locking door on the building for a good few decades! Of course, one locking door is useless without other security measures, so we spent some time measuring up all the upstairs windows for boards. Other doors will follow before the end of the year, all being well.
Later, eyeing the relentless rain, we headed back to Ruddington for some (indoor!) tidying-up. We found some plastic tubs which had clearly been flooded at some point, and sorted out their rusty contents. (Illustrated)
