The Preservation Years - 2006
37324 bore the brunt of the 37 requirements whilst ‘215 was out of service and also managed a ‘first’ for The Growler Group when it visited the Swanage Railway during the early summer of 2006. There are lots of pictures elsewhere on this website that illustrate what a successful trip that was and we would like to thank the management of the Swanage Railway and the operational staff for looking after us so well.
Before going on its travels, ‘324 received some bodywork repairs to smarten its appearance and also benefited from a thorough exam to ensure that everything was operating as it should be. It was also given a wash and the snowploughs were removed so as not to cause any issues with loading or unloading from the road transport. A set of round buffers was fitted to No.2 end to match both ends and the loco left the GWR looking quite different to how we have come to expect it to be. 37324 also stood in for ‘215 at one of the annual ‘Thomas’ events at the GWR .
The highlight of the year for 37324 was obviously its summer holiday to Swanage. The loco is seen here crossing Corfe Castle viaduct.20.05.06. (Marcus Wheeler)
Safely back at Toddington. Unfortunately the lorry driver was taken ill and this was where she stayed for the weekend until she could be unloaded Monday morning.03.06.06. (Marcus Wheeler)
As 37215 was out of action for bodywork repairs 37324 carried out all the 37 turns at the Autumn Gala.
37324 with sister 37215 power towards Toddington at the Christmas diesel day. This should have been her last run for 2006 except she was commandeered the following day due to the non availability of a driver for one of the class 47s. She went on to work the 16.15 Toddington Cheltenham Racecourse and return on the 28th December 2006.Photo courtsey of Laurence Sly. 