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…..
PURPLE TT
(One round trip – 1535 B’Way – CRC and 1645 CRC – Todd)
April 1st, 4th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 22nd, 25th, 26th.
PINK TT
(3 x Round Trips – B’way Depart 0955, 1235, 1535; CRC Depart 1115, 1420, 1645)
April 2nd, 30th.
We hope to see you on one of the running days above to welcome the ‘Green Machine’ back into service.
As for our other loco, D6948s return will allow 37215 to have a rest and receive some additional maintenance that the team have been unable to complete over the Winter. The big job will be to replace the two leaky compressors with overhauled ones that we have in stock. It will also allow for some work on the cooler group to take place, the round buffers to be refitted when they return from overhaul, and to complete its B Exam.
It will be great to have both locomotives back in service again for the first time since 2018 – especially as, in 2023, 37215 reaches quarter of a century since its first run in preservation as well as its 60th anniversary of leaving Vulcan Works and entering BR service.
