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This past Wednesday (26 April 23) saw a number of our intrepid ‘Wednesday Gang’ get to grips with the removal of 37215’s compressors from the no.1 end. Both had been identified as leaking and losing efficiency so it was identified to have them removed and replaced with a couple of overhauled compressors we had as spare. With the protracted maintenance on D6948, as well as the generator repairs on 37215, this job was shuffled a little further down the list. However, with D6948 now back in service the opportunity was taken to get the switch over done. So, with the loco shunted under the A-frame gantry in the yard at Toddington, and the pipework disconnected, the removal could take place. Photos are courtesy of Kev Jarvis. click to continue reading

The running season is now well under way at the GWSR and, as hoped, D6948 has returned to traffic after its near 3 year absence. Mainline diesel running started on the 1st April with D6948 taking the last round trip on the Purple timetable. It was also out again on the 2nd for the Pink Timetable with 3 round trips completed successfully. A couple of niggles made themselves evident but, after the length of time out of traffic this was to be expected and should be cleared up during routine maintenance. It was good to see a large number of people from the Groups’ membership, and the wider Class 37 community, attending both days to welcome the ‘Green Machine’ back into traffic. click to continue reading

D6948 is now back in traffic after its protracted repair program and, having successfully passed its B Exam, was utilised on a number of ballast workings during January to give the loco a proper shakedown. The great news is that this all passed well enough to see D6948 entered back onto the serviceable loco roster for April and the green Type 3 will play a big part in the April roster on both the Purple and Pink timetable days. Below is a list of the running dates – usual caveats apply….. click to continue reading

With only a few weeks of the Winter maintenance period to go, loose ends are being tied up to get our locomotives fit for April and the start of the 2023 running season. Most of the work has centred around D6948 after the completion of the repair to the main reservoir air pipe and the maintenance on the bogies. A historic leak in one of the brake cylinders has also been repaired with the removal and replacement of the offending cylinder coupled with some remedial work on the timing chain, which had shown signs of stretching. Finally, the B Exam has been completed and, after an absence of nearly 3 years, the ‘Green Machine’ has been declared fit for traffic (pending a test run). For its return, D6948 has been allocated the first three turns in April on the 1st (Purple TT, last round trip), 2nd (Pink TT, whole day) and 4th (Purple TT, last round trip). There are also additional turns throughout April – please check on the group and GWSR social pages for more information. We look forward to seeing some of you at the GWSR to welcome D6948 back into traffic – usual caveats apply. click to continue reading