■ RECONSTRUCTION of the Ffestiniog Railway’s platform at Blaenau Ffestiniog was progressed in January with the paving blocks (recovered for relaying) and edging removed to reveal the underlying ground surface. Following installation of new drainage and edging the platform will be reinstated. The project at Blaenau Ffestiniog will resume next winter when the canopy roof and gutters will be dealt with.
■ PHIL Robinson’s ex-Derbyshire Silica Firebrick Co Ltd, of Friden, near Hartington, Ruston & Hornsby 4wDM RH237914/1946 is approaching the final stages of restoration. The project has been undertaken in a garage at Phil’s home over the last 16 years. A number of small tasks remain, including some painting and fitting the radiator grille over the fan before the loco is moved to Moseley Railway Trust’s Apedale Valley Light Railway.
■ THE new boiler for James Evans’ ex-Dinorwic Hunslet 0-4-0ST Velinheli, fitted with insulation and cladding sheets, was mounted in the frames by early February.