Wednesday the 24th July a light drizzle before a few spots later on but good for working outside.

 More time on the crane more rust removal and protecting prior to the repaint after freeing off the seized pulley, controls and straightening the top shaft.

Wire brushes in battery drills, hammer and chisel for the corners does a satisfactory job.

It was then a long walk down to the narrow gauge railway headquarters to collect a old GWR notice board that is in need of repair. Must say I was impressed with their set up before the long walk back carrying the board which is now safely stored in Boxford building awaiting repair, forgot to take a photo.

                              

Then it was back to stripping the outer metal from the GWR safe box which was not as easy as you would think.

                                

3 corner plates each with 12 screws and the base which had 25 screws took a whiles as some were near invisible with rust and abrasion. underneath the wooden carcass is well constructed

 

but you have to wonder why they did not just make a full metal box and line it with wood.

                          The start of the cleaning process ready for painting.

                                

The lock was opened up and found to be a simple device for a secure box  that automatically locks when it is closed so we think a home made key is a possibility

                                    

When the box was opened there were no valuables but a leather pouch with a strap to close it, the leather had gone hard and mould set in once the air got to it.

                        

So up the workshop where it got treated to a coat of German leather protector

I then brought it home to continue the treatment where I applied a generous coat of leather Genie Balsam this has made the bag soft and pliable so another few treatments should improve it more.