Now that Steve has completed the vinyl flooring in each of the sleeping compartments and secured the seat bases, it is time to re-install the seats and berths. We loaded them up at George’s workshop, here’s the first lot.
Ahead of the transfer though was dealing with a small gremlin that had kept George awake late at night. The original NSWGR method of fitting the seats tended to damage the leading corners of the seat frame, subsequently destroying the vinyl. A little more time spent now will improve the system and protect the vinyl.
The bearing surface is first routed down to accommodate a small metal plate.
…the angle plate is then drilled…
…and secured in place protecting the corner of the seat – a very ingenious solution.
It takes two trips to deliver the full set of seats and bunks to Eveleigh for installation, here’s the second lot.
This is an upper berth installed in the sleeping position with the safety ropes in place. The attention to detail of this 2-man volunteer team is nothing short of remarkable. The straps set it off a real treat.
Here is one folded away for day travel. We just need Todd to get a wriggle on with those red cedar panels to cover the underside. Note the compartment and car numbering chalked on the lower bunk face. Chalk and number stamps were used throughout these cars to identify every last fitting to the compartment and car to which it belongs.
And with the seat back folded forward to form the lower bunk… This is how a fully refurbished sleeping berth looks.
It’s just the dicky seats to be attached now when Steve has completed the lower wall.