Construction of a new ash-pan for the Kerr Stuart is under way. This will be to an improved design and is being fabricated largely off-site. The locomotive's boiler has been "washed out" ready for the annual boiler survey.

A new flashing has been installed on the trolley shed and some of the draughts have been eliminated to make the building more weather-proof.

A special thanks is due to Shaun and Jock for removing the spoil from the area surrounding the refurbished track near the carriage shed. This was quite a large job and was undertaken quite swiftly.

A start has been made on painting the refurbished tamper components that have recently returned from the hydraulic specialist. Some of the mechanical components have been sent to a local engineering firm for repair.

The carriage shed was broken into, just a few hours after Chubb's monitoring commenced. Chubb were efficient in alerting us but not so swift in getting their security guard to the right place in a timely manner. We have conveyed our disappointment to them regarding their failure to notice that the door was wide open. However, the alarm scared the intruders off before they did any harm.

Work is progressing well on the new windows for Katiki Station. They have all been cut down from larger second-hand windows and reassembled, test-fitted and are currently being glazed. One of the window sills has been manufactured and installed and the window surrounds have been made. Construction of the new doors has also commenced, with the first one being nearly ready for test-fitting.

Murray has been working tirelessly on removing the accumulated muck and grime from around the cylinders on F111. He's even found blasting sand left over from the previous overhaul of the locomotive.

The Yc and Yf wagons funded by the Southern Trust have arrived and appear to be in good order. They will be used over the winter for upgrading our track.

With the arrival of blustery and wet weather, carriage A210 has received some attention, with most of one side now in primer.

Motor Trolley WW 7079 has also made some headway, with a couple of replacement timber components being recently manufactured. The timber-work surrounding the engine has had the accumulated grease and grime removed. On the exterior, filler and peeling paint has been removed and the plywood seat has been sealed. The carburetor is receiving some attention to try to resolve the rough running that this motor is known for on longer outings. The engine cowling and fuel tank have both been stripped down and painted.