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Kevin Marsh supervises the works, enjoying a well-deserved sandwich while he does so!
Meanwhile, Jamie Brooker installs and tests further inter-PCB wiring on the rear racks.
...where Kevin Marsh toils with the technological side of the panel's operation, in readiness for anyone to 'have a go'. Enough screens there, Kev?!
A view from the front this time; the cables running from the panel belie the works unfolding at the back desk...
With more space cleared behind the panel, access to the racks becomes somewhat easier as more simulator works continue apace.
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The wheels being removed, as the dismantling of the framework begins.
The panel is shown having been wheeled back towards the rear wall, ensuring we've enough space in the future for easy maintenance, tooling, etc.
9th May: the day comes for moving the panel into its final postion - wheel the panel backwards, then remove the wheels, channelling and framework, and lower to the floor...sounds simple, doesn't it?
As part of the lowering process, some rodding is now fed under the front of the panel by John Hill.
With rodding in position, the trickier task comes of removing the rear girder through the double doors at a tight angle...
...which is quickly achieved, thanks to the number of GWS and SPS volunteers in attendance. I wonder what's behind the panel that they're all captivated by?
Before long, the front girder of the framework is dragged outside, ready for its next use.
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Not content with the panel covers, Peter starts cleaning away the years of dirt from the back desk, a longer-term restoration project.
As more space becomes available at the front of the panel, Peter Woodbridge continues with the unenviable task of cleaning the panel's front and rear metal covers.
The odd surprise while cleaning: behind one of the rear covers, just discernible in the dust, is the downbeat message 'We're not going anywhere'; the same certainly can't be said of SPS!
Another key moment, as Laurence Stant completes the wiring-in of the final Printed Circuit Board (PCB) - a lasting testament to all those SPS members who gave up their time to solder all 350 of them!
Another key moment, as Laurence Stant completes the wiring-in of the final Printed Circuit Board (PCB) - a lasting testament to all those SPS members who gave up their time to solder all 350 of them!
With kind permission from Network Rail, 50 base units and associated fitments are recovered from the old Stoke Gifford panel at Bristol PSB by Tom Yardley; note the 'Out Of Use' lights illuminated.
Jamie Brooker removes the vertical train describer plates and edging from the panel frontage, and begins the task of carefully sanding the timber framework.
The end result - wonderfully clean and tidy framework, ready for re-varnishing.
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With Jamie's completed sanding and re-varnishing (needing several coats, of course!), Steve Gwinnett re-attaches the train describer plates to the front of the panel.
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Swindon panel 3 small
Swindon panel 2 perspective corrected small
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Swindon panel 1 small