The Preservation Years - 1999
By the start of 1999, '215 had acquired round buffers at both ends and we were in the process of fitting a complete set of snowploughs. Minor modifications and rectifications were carried out but the loco performed very well whenever required.
An intermittent fault with the wheel-slip circuitry proved difficult to trace and eventually the whole panel was removed, the relays removed, stripped down, cleaned, re-assembled and tested. This proved to be successful. Also, the main air pressure gauge in No.2 cab always seemed to read a bit low. This was traced to a partially blocked pipe underneath the loco.
A modification was made to the fuel rails by fitting quarter turn bleed valves that can be used prior to starting the loco. We also manufactured some wooden covers to fit over the exhaust ports. These are used to stop rain from working it's way down into the turbochargers and engine when the loco is not running.
37215 stands at Toddington during the Spring of 1999. Photo - Craig Nicholson.
During 1999, we also took delivery of a 40 foot container which is used to store away some of our spare components. Some attention turned towards this item as shelves were fitted and a start made on painting the outside into a tasteful shade of green to merge in with the surrounding countryside.
A complete spare set of batteries was delivered and these have been connected up and are periodically charged in case they are needed for the loco.
During the course of the year a number of exams were carried out similar to the 'A' and 'B' exams that are routinely carried out on main line loco's. Various oil levels were topped up, electrical machines checked and brakes adjusted etc. Fuel and Oil filters were also changed.
ing this page indicate some of the work carried out by '215 during the coarse of the year. One interesting development included the loco's first use as 'Diesel' during the GWR's 'Friends of Thomas' events.