Would you like to see 3062 (formerly a bungalow near Ashford and recovered by the late Eric Graves and his group) turned once again into a coach in our vintage fleet.

1. Terrier Day earlier this year underlines the railway’s need for good, well maintained carriage stock. This lovely vintage rake requires many many man-hours of work to keep it in tip top condition.

2. This photo charter train of around the same time, highlights the same need for our freight rolling stock.

3. And here is where it all this work happens across the platform at Tenterden town station. Each Tuesday I pass through these doors to see what the department has been working on since my previous visit. It’s always interesting and worthwhile experience talking with the staff and volunteers working there as I get these pictures.

4. Paul gets to grip with the rotten planking in this open wagon.

5. The work done will enable it to continue as a useful vehicle around the railway.

6. A gleaming D2023 diesel shunter - (BR 03 class Diesel Mechanical 204hp 0-6-0) has spent a considerable period in the back of the shed whilst work has continued on the loco’s motion.

7. Here the disassembled motion can be seen beside the wheels.

8. Picked out in brilliant red, the re-assembled motion can be plainly seen as the loco sits in the July sunshine just outside the shed - next to the wagon seen in previous pictures.

9. Also in the line-up in picture 8, is a very different brake van to the one illustrated here - sadly in need of attention in March this year. Stripping the rotten wood and rusted fittings has just begun on SR brake van No. 103.

10. The side planking and guard’s viewing ducket has gone on this side and the three wise men of the C&W shed (Brian, Paul and Alan) are giving their attention to the side of the vehicle.

11. The extent of the dismantling is clearly visible as sound areas are treated to their first coats of paint for a very long time!

12. Some of the woodwork has been replaced on the visible side whilst Brian's work continues on the roof end.

13. One of the steel look-out duckets being prepared for painting separately.

14. The van begins to take shape again - inside as well as outside.

15. See picture 14

16. Buffers are cleaned up by Ron as the Headcorn end begins to take shape again.

17. With sandbox lowered into place and much of the van repainted, the restoration reaches an advanced state.

18. Here is the SR brake van out in southern sunshine once again in the shed sidings with Paul fitting the sandbox on the Robertsbridge end.

19. See picture 18

20. Apart from minor attention, the SE&CR Birdcage Coach has seen little progress this quarter with attention given to other projects.

21. One of the details which might be missed by the layman is illustrated here. The coach’s interior panelling was originally made from timber (Bird's eye maple) that is prohibitively expensive nowadays so pine panelling is to be used. Here a test veneer has been applied to 2 pieces of panel to check it gives the right appearance. (top left).

22. This is how the GWR railcar looked the last time it was in the C&W shed with steel cladding placed in situ.

23. Another spell in the shed mid-June enabled this work to continue by Andy and his team - an encouraging moment in a long and dedicated process.