I have spent much of the day trying to remove the buffers from the truck. This is not just a matter of four large rusty bolts to be removed per buffer. Behind the buffers is the enormous - potentially fatal - spring loaded energy sufficient to stop a train. The buffers must come off so that the rotten head-stocks can be replaced. By the end of the day one buffer can see its way clear to freedom. The remaining three should be easier.
A surprise visitor was Network Rail's Patrick Cawley - in charge of structures and buildings over a large area and presently working on Birmingham's New Street station. Patrick was instrumental in the acquisition of what turned out to be the navvy hut. He had seen it on the telly but this was his first chance to see it in reality. It was really quite pathetic how two grown men got all sentimental about a hut!
By coincidence Patrick was able to see a real live steam train hammering through Settle - sounding a little short of breath actually, Scots Guardsman with a train full of people behind it. Also to see how busy Settle station is - passengers by the coach-load. People taking the train just for the sake of it. There is a message for the marketing people there somewhere. Railway heritage sells.
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