MEMBERS MONTHLY BULLETIN DECEMBER 2022

On behalf of all our team I wish you a very happy New Year. I am sure you share our hope for substantial project progress in 2023.  Here is the latest update on our project.

Engineering

The outside cylinders have been delivered back to West Shed following the modification and repair work at Cast Iron Welding Services. Machining is expected to start in January.

The engineering team held a Zoom meeting on 23^rd December to agree plans for work in the immediate future.

Chassis component MPI testing will now be carried out on site at West Shed starting in the new year, following changes at Boro Foundry, where we originally envisaged the work being done. Preparatory work for weld repairs on the chassis frames can now proceed at West Shed in January, with the lifting of site movement restrictions. 

William Cook Cast Products now expect to complete the new driving wheels by the end of January. Options for the wheelset assembly were reviewed at our meeting and will be planned to follow the delivery of the driving wheels and the replacement axle, which has now arrived in the UK by ship from South Africa.  

The engineering team has agreed steps to develop the detailed design of the tender tank. A review has confirmed that a modification to the original Fowler design will be necessary, to provide sufficient water capacity to meet present-day network requirements and to house main line control and air brake equipment. 

Finance

Our Treasurer’s ’First thought for the quarter’ in Warrior 55 challenged you to identify two interesting sets of figures and send him your answers.  Too challenging for many, so here are the answers!:

In the ‘Financials at a Glance’ table he was surprised to see that the percentage against budget was, in a few cases. very similar for both years: either 37%, 38% or 39%

Secondly, in the quarterly comparison table, our regular donors’ contributions have exceeded £23K for 3 consecutive quarters: please encourage friends or family to become a member and/or regular donor.  We need all the help we can get.

Sales

Thanks to all who have supported the project with purchases in 2022. We still have a number of 2023 calendars in stock. Order yours now to avoid disappointment.

 Administration

We know from anecdotal reports that Royal Mail delivery of the latest Warrior Magazine (posted on 5^th December) was significantly delayed in many areas of the country by the combined effect of Christmas post and strike action.  We are sorry if you were one of the unlucky ones.

On a more positive note we are pleased to report that from today new volunteers are helping with essential administration tasks by working remote from our Stafford office. We are very grateful for this.