Well, it's been a while, but Monarch is now looking herself with her fine funnel and gold lines reinstated. Now, I'm not saying that our gilding is the best in the world; but it does look a thousand times better than a strip of yellow plastic sticky tape.
It was rather funny today, John (one of our wonderful volunteers) almost did a runner when told that he might be asked to gild the hull...luckily the fabulous, soothing and masterful skipper gave him the equivalent of a degree course in gilding (in just 2 minutes) and he was set to work!! The results, I think all will agree are superb. I can't wait to see it all burnished so that it sparkles like a wedding band.
Anyhow, work left to do, bit of plumbing, bit of wiring and a wee bit of painting......job sorted! The last few woodwork jobs are left to be sorted and the Monarch should be set for the waves once again!
Pauline, another volunteer, has done an excellent job of applying lipstick to the paddle wheels (wish she's used proper paint as it would last longer...joke) and everything is looking all very festive again.
The only bad news to report is that the generator repairs which are essential for the passenger certificate have cost nearly 800 quid...this is a real setback and even more annoying as the previous owners lies about the gen set's history have resulted in this cost. All very disappointing.
One marvellous bit of news, however, is that the boiler passed it's statutory examination on Tuesday....hooooooray!!!
Anyhow, working towards the Portsmouth Celebration of Steam Event, all is looking good!
Until next time, paddle nutters,
The Skip
2 comments:
I have enjoyed all the time spent
painting and the jolly atmosphere
that keeps me turning up even when
we've I've got loads of stuff to
do at home..
Thanks guys for the fun and work.
Pauline...
Nice to see all the photos, and great to see you've had such fun on board the Monarch, Mum. Can't wait to go for a ride when I get back to the IOW :o)
Keep up the good work!
Sam.
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