GWR Heritage Diesel Weekend 26th-28th July

Posted on by Peter_S

After a much-missed absence of several years, 2013 sees the return of the GWR’s popular heritage diesel weekend gala event running between Friday 26th of July and Sunday 28th July, and 37215 will be working trains over the full length of the line on all 3 days. As well as the intensive timetable of trains, the new diesel shed will be opening its doors to visitors at Toddington, with the opportunity to see the restoration work on D6948 ‘up close’.

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Successful visit to the West Somerset Railway for 37215

Posted on by Peter_S

37215 is now back at Toddington having made a very successful visit to the West Somerset Railway’s ‘Mixed Traction Weekend’ between 7th and 9th June. The loco performed faultlessly throughout, working exactly 200 miles in excellent weather over all 3 days between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The challenging gradients of the WSR were something different for both the loco and the GWR crew (Tim Wattison, Paul Good and Peter Smith) who accompanied the loco during its visit. A gallery featuring 37215 at work over the weekend will be assembled shortly. click to continue reading

37215 to visit the West Somerset Railway

Posted on by Peter_S

The Growler Group has accepted a provisional invitation for 37215 to attend the West Somerset Railway’s mixed traction gala between the 7th and 9th June 2013. This will be a rare opportunity to see our loco operating on another heritage railway and is the first time it will have left the GWR since it arrived 20 years ago. Please note that the locomotive’s visit is still subject to final confirmation as there are still a number of steps to complete and details to resolve at this stage. Further updates will be released via this site when final confirmation can be made. click to continue reading

Project D6948 update – 1st March 2013

Posted on by Peter_S

With the onset of the cold weather, progress has slowed somewhat due to the inclement travelling and working conditions. Nonetheless progress continues and is expected to speed up again as Spring arrives – what follows is a summary of the last few months and the current state of play. As ever, we really do need more volunteers to help both with this project and the ongoing maintenance of 37215. If you can help please get in touch!

Interior
Both cabs have now been stripped, needle gunned, sanded, primed and now top coated in Continue reading →