Day 5 - Nearside panel woodwork final push

Day 5 and our final day with a great push.  CRG163’s nearside panels are put back together after wood work has been replaced and completed.  CRG163’s original illuminated side panel illuminated apertures have not been seen together publicly since 1971, but by this evening they are on proud display.

My grateful thanks to my dear friend Sion.  What an amazing carpenter and all rounder, so meticulous in his approach and completion .  The quality of his work has been absolutely superb.

We’ve laughed a lot over the past five days and also quite the opposite at times with the enormity of the work that laid ahead of us.  We however got there.  An amazing five days! 

Two of the original illuminated panel apertures ready for priming.

Both original illuminated panels primed ready for fitting.

Panels on the floor ready to be fitted.

Sion in deep concentration.  The quality of Sion’s care and quality of finish has been outstanding.

The first full panel now primed and re-fitted with the original illuminated panel apertures in full public view for the first time since 1971 - 54 years later.

Another angle of the first full panel refitted.

A very dear friend of many years and ex fellow Bws Gwynedd professional drops in for a visit.  Really great to see you today Malcolm.

A special photograph of Malcolm and I in front of CRG163.

Another photograph of Malcolm and I with CRG163 behind.

Major progress today.  Two panels remain to be reinstalled and large locker and bits and bobs.

Sion and I sign one of the internal panels that will be covered up fo future generations to find.

Sion is caught in his meticulous planning of panel reinstatement.

Another image of Sion hard at work as the final panels are re-fitted on CRG163.

All panels are now reinstated with three original illuminated panel apertures publicly seen for the first time on CRG163 since October/November 1971.

Another angle of the three original panels side by side in public view for the first time in 54 years.

All refitted panels being meticulously sealed.

Nearside large locker now re-fitted.

CRG163 back together again with new woodwork and panels reinstalled but this time including in public view the three aide illuminated panel apertures. Will need to fabricate a fourth.

Another angle of CRG163 tonight looking amazing.  Sion and I have had highs and lows over the past five days.  We’ve laughed a lot and also despaired, but together we got there.  Diolch yn fawr Sion am pob dim / Thank you Sion for everything.  What a carpenter and all-rounder!!