Updated 1st April 2022
Both 37215 and D6948 are current out of service. 37215 suffered a minor main generator flashover in late November, the causes of which and more importantly, the learning points, are currently under investigation. Repairs have been progressing during February and March involving removal of all the carbon brushes, cleaning the commutator armature and finally an insulation resistance test (sometimes known as a ‘megger’ test) of the generator to make sure all is well.
Repairs are also required to an air pipe under the loco body skirt of ‘A’ bank that has started to leak, replacement of some rubber hoses on the water systems and replacement of at least one compressor which is leaking oil. Two spare compressors are being sent away for refurbishment, and when returned will be swapped out for the two in the loco.
215 will hopefully be back in service in May.
Unfortunately there is no progress with the turn of D6948 to service. The loco is still stopped with the bogies disconnected and awaiting a body lift to repair an inaccessible main reservoir air pipe underneath one cab. Whilst lifted the plan is to also carry out some minor repairs to the bogies. The delay is down to awaiting the availability of class 37 compatible lifting pins and eyelets that will fit the Toddington lifting jacks – these being in use elsewhere – as soon as they are available, then the work can be carried out and D6948 can be returned to service.
