The Preservation Years - 2001
2001 was a year of very mixed fortunes for 37324. Everything stated very positively with some good early season running on a number of occasions including the mixed 'steam & diesel' operations during February.
On the maintenance front good progress was made towards bringing the steam heat boiler back into operation, with a large number of components removed for dismantling, cleaning and reassembly. This work included the overhaul of the two pressure relief valves that protect the system. When the boiler was isolated during British Rail days, the fuel supply lines running from the underslung fuel tank to the interior of the engine room were removed. These have been replaced using some flexible armoured pipes that were specially manufactured for the job.
Unlike 37215, 324 is not filled with anti-freeze coolant and so during times of cold temperatures, all of the water is drained down to reduce the risk of frost damage One minor item in the manual pump water filling line did crack but this was quickly replaced.
Fortunes changed during the end of March 'Spring Diesel Gala' when the locomotive succumbed with a Power Earth Fault and had to be withdrawn from traffic. After much testing and investigations this was traced to the armature of the main generator being shorted to earth probably due to an internal defect or damp ingress. Unfortunately, no amount of heating and drying out was sufficient to cure the fault and so a decision was made to remove the whole of the power unit and send it away for repair which is the current status at the end of 2001 while we await its return.
Whilst the power unit has been away, attention has turned to overhauling a spare vacuum exhauster, which will be used to replace one of the existing units that is passing oil. The engine compartment has been given a good clean out and some fresh paint applied.
Hopefully, 2002 will see '324 back in service and operating successfully once again.
37324 leaves Gotherington during 2001. Photo by Gareth Williams.