Scumbled!

143 was scumbled today by Phil Anderson, a professional painter and signwriter from Stockton-on-Tees. Phil has recently completed Marton Box 31 at Beamish - and soon 143 and 31 will be alongside each other again at Blackpool. Ironically, both once shared roles as Overhead Line cars.

Scumbling is a painting technique that allows a varnished teak effect to be created on the marine plywood side panelling. Firstly, a coat of eggshell tan colour was applied (see previous post) and then scumble paint (dark brown) is applied. This paint is so thin and heavily linseed-oil based that it allows the eggshell undercoat to show through whilst soft brushes are used to create a wood-grain effect.

Prepare to scumble

143 has been prepared for scumbling today - a base coat of satin egg shell and next week Phil Anderson, the professional signwriter that has recently completed Marton Box 31 at Beamish, will scumble the side panels.

Meanwhile, the ceiling panels, side panelling and glazing on the upper deck of 143 have been fitted this week, following the completion of upper deck wiring.

And then the headlamps

143 can see again following the fitting of the two headlamps generously donated to the project by the National Tramway Museum. These were both fitted today and await final wiring up.

Lower saloon complete

Apart from a few minor fittings, the lower deck saloon is now complete. On Tuesday 4th May, the seat cushions were fitted and with interior lighting switched on, 143 is really beginning to come back to life again as a genuine 1924 Blackpool Standard.

....and then there was light!

The BusWorks electrician has wasted no time this week fitting the 2 x 12v batteries for the low voltage equipment, wiring up the bells and the lower deck interior lighting. On Saturday 24th April, 143 finally came back to life with fully functional interior lighting and bells.

Spotlight on 143

Thanks to our friends at the National Tramway Museum, 143 now has a pair of matching headlamps. These will be refurbished for use on 143 but it is proposed to fit some discreet halogen headlamps in addition to conform to Blackpool Transport's request. Meanwhile, the low voltage interior lighting and bells have been wired up, along with 2 x 12v batteries and a 24v isolator switch.

Upper deck assembly starts

Upper deck assembly has started and Gilletts have fitted the internal partitions that look absolutely superb. Meanwhile, the regular team of volunteers have started assembling the upper deck swingover seats.