Moving on to the restoration of the bunker: a problem has been encountered whilst constructing the new tank base. The metal which we had ordered was found not to be square. This has caused much deliberation, but the team have decided that, with certain adjustments, it can still be used. As this metal had been obtained a couple of years ago, we have learned our lesson: to check everything when it arrives, and before we pay for it!

The two rolled cladding pieces which cover the area of the pistons, collected from Roblin and Son, have now been tried for a fit, deemed to be good, given a coat of red oxide, and await drilling. They will then be given further coats of paint and fitted.

The slide-bars are still being aligned. As this is a very specialist job, it cannot be rushed. When our expert has finished this he will move on to the cross-heads. The new valve links have been completed by one of our machinists; this has proved to be a long job requiring many hours work, but at last it is finished.

Other members of the team have been busy reclaiming and restoring fittings from the original bunker and side-tanks. Help in this task came from an unexpected source: whilst working at Quainton on Wednesday 21st July, I was surprised by the arrival of a Search and Rescue team from Aylesbury Fire Station. I was told that they were there to train for emergencies; if we wanted any cutting or lifting done, they would be glad to help. I quickly made contact and they were more than glad to help. The cutting gear they use is truly awesome, proper "boys toys". They are hopefully coming back on a regular basis.

The beginning of August should see Didcot’s boilersmith, Pete Gransden, start work on the boiler. We are also in talks with another party about construction of new side-tanks. Numerous other parts that have been acquired include injectors and clack valves - these being stored at a safe location off site.