The Preservation Years - 2003
37215 was taken out of service at the beginning of the year so that the power unit could be lifted out. This enabled us to change the mounting pads that the unit sits on. They has become worn with age and the rubber was deteriorating. 
37215 stands at Cheltenham Race Course on 11/07/03. Photo by Tim Farmer
When the power unit was out of the locomotive, we took the opportunity to clean all of the engine room walls, floor panels and under floor area. The whole place was then given a fresh coat of paint to tidy it up. Repairs were carried out to the thermostatic by-pass valve and we also took the opportunity to clean all of the internal electrcal machines and the cubicle. The main and auxillary generators were also cleaned and a few minor repairs made to the internal insulators. The brake frame and associated equipment was also taken out of the loco for overhaul and re-painting.
Once the power unit was back in the loco, fresh oil was added and new coolant as well. Adjustments were made to the engine timing and various repairs and adjutments made to the fuel system. '215 re-entered the operating fleet in time for the spring season and has proved to be quite reliable ever since. 
Right: Spare power unit at Toddington during the summer of 2003. Photo by Kev Jarvis
When the loco was out of traffic we also removed the glass headcode panels and replaced the clear glass with the traditional 1970's style domino white dots. This has proved very popular.
During 2003 we finished commissioning our pre-heater system. This is an external diesel driven heating system that is used to heat up the cooling water before the locomotive starts up. This slight increase in water temperature is very beneficial on cold days as it reduces the amount of smoke emitted and also reduces the damaging effects of 'cold' starts. The benefits of the pre-heater were ably demonstrated in the winter season and it has performed reliably.
It is fair to say that we also spent more money during 2003 than for quite some years as we acquired a spare power unit and also a pair of bogies complete with traction motors. A small flat wagon was also acquired on which to keep the power unit.
We experienced one failure during the latter part of 2003 when the fuel system became blocked and the loco shut down. This was nothing more than a blocked fuel filter which has since been changed. Off the loco, we have continued to overhaul spare components that may be needed in the future such as exhausters, compressors and blower motors. These are all stripped, repaired, reassembled, painted and then tested on our purpose built test rig.