The Preservation Years - 2000
37324 entered service following restoration at the GWR on Friday 29th September. A special event was held for members and invited guests at which '324 was renamed 'Clydebridge' by Scottish Growler Group members Bob Barlow and Steve McFarlane. Visitors were greeted by a Scottish piper who then piped away the first service and to complete the Scottish theme the loco was bedecked in heather picked in The Highlands from Culloden Moor.
The loco operated four services on that night, three on its own and one with 37215. There was an excellent turnout, the sun shone, plenty of ale was supped and everyone had a tremendous time. It's nights like this that make all of the hard effort worthwhile.
The next public appearance was at the Autumn Diesel Gala when '324 was used on all days but was troubled by electrical problems. The loco was further used at the Growler Groups AGM and finally at the Christmas Gala.
The electrical problems had everyone scratching their heads for a few weeks. Random shutdowns were being experienced which seemed to be linked to the braking system or maybe the radiator fan clutch assembly. Countless hours were spent removing items to check and refit but still the problems continued. Eventually, it was traced to some worn cables that travel the whole length of the loco to indicate in each cab which brake position has been selected. A lot of the engine room floor had to be removed to fix this problem and eventually 324 settled down and behaved itself.
Other minor problems were experienced with the field diverts and an adjustment has been made to the Automatic Voltage Regulator output. A final electrical problem was fixed that was affecting the loco being able to take power. This necessitated the replacement of the auxiliary contacts on the main engine start contactors.
2000 was a hectic year in the life of 37324 but the end results are well worth it!
37324 stands at Winchcombe on 21/10/2000. Photo - Alistair Grieve.