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.
Removal is not easy as the compressors are stacked one on top of the other, over to one side in the nose. Maneuverability is minimal due to other items contained in the nose as well – the blower motors and fire extinguishers – making the job to prepare them ready for lifting isn’t for the fainthearted!
Once out, it was easy to see how grubby they have got in the time they have been in situ!
Hopefully, the coming weeks will see the overhauled replacements being lifted in and then reconnected so that ‘215’ is out of service for the least amount of time and any problems can be ironed out.
In the meantime, D6948 has had its fuel filters removed, cleaned and replaced. It appears that this has resolved the intermittent fueling issue that had been identified.
D6948 will be out again throughout May. The rostered dates are now up under the ‘Loco Roster’ tab.
