Spontaneous nightshift at Ropley

Sunshine at 0900 hours on Friday 8th January 1999 at Ropley yard. Fire just lit in the 'U' to warm it through in readiness for the main-line run next day. No hint of what was to come ... Then, just before 1700 hours on the same day, a last-minute inspection for the next day's scheduled mainline run, discovered a leak between a main steam-pipe and the manifold.
Volunteers and full-timers alike stayed on to dismantle, regrind and reassemble. Frank Boait, John Cornell outside; Dave Sibley in the smokebox with the 'gas axe'.
The chip-break, once dismantling had been completed was most welcome. The job was completed around 0400, and the engine was then lit up again ready for the day's work.
	... and of course the excursion started on time at Alresford at 0800 hours next day, Saturday 9th January 1999. Film footage of this rail-tour was shown on the Meridian TV ('Southern Steam' series) on 14th October 1999.