The Growler Group

Work has commenced on fitting the front body ‘skirts’ to the locomotive. click to continue reading

248’s new steam generator was delivered to Toddington on Wednesday 10th August and craned into the prepared boiler compartment of the loco. Further work now remains to install and connect up the required fuel, water and steam pipework, together with electrical connections. It is hoped the unit will be steamed inside the loco for the first time in the near future. click to continue reading

Although not strictly part of the project to return 37248 to 1964 condition, a key part of ‘Project D6948’ involves a general overhaul and reliability improvements where appropriate. To achieve improved electrical reliability, the decision was taken to source and fit a modern electronic AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) to ensure a reliable and steady 110 volt supply to the auxiliaries. The new AVR was fitted and tested on Sunday 31st July, with the loco being fired up for the first time in 8 months. Thanks are due to Noel Craigen for his invaluable assistance. click to continue reading

After many weeks of toil, the two solid steel ballast weights which simulate the weight of the boiler, were craned out of the loco on the 26th June following the removal of two air tanks which obstructed the lift. This has allowed access to the remainder of the floor area which has now been cleaned out and prepared with bituminous paint and prepares the way for the delivery and installation of the new boiler. click to continue reading