Firstly, a quick update on fleet status. All of our serviceable fleet are in fine fettle, with only the regular maintenance regimen being undertaken along with some small repairs - leaks, worn part replacement etc. Major work is being undertaken on Class 117 DMS, W51405's engines which have been removed after the discovery of some serious issues.
However, the big (ish) news is the Class 20, 20228 broke cover on Sunday 3rd September when it was moved into the yard at Toddington and, for the first time (that I am aware of!) paired in multiple with sister loco, 20137.
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| The blue star multiple working cables are plugged in. (Courtesy of Chris Morgan) |
With the the locos prepped, the blue star multiple working jumpers plugged in, and the locos started, it was time to see if they would operate as one.
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| Firstly, the locos were tested cab to cab. (Courtesy of Chris Morgan) |
To start, the locos were paired cab to cab and moved around the yard utilising each cab separately to test that all controls worked as expected.
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| Then, it was in the more familiar nose to nose configuration. (Courtesy of Chris Morgan) |
The locos were then swapped around into the more familiar nose to nose arrangement and taken for a spin around the yard again to test the controls in each cab.
Although seemingly a success, 20228 is still a little way off completion. When it is fit for traffic, in the immediate future, '228' will only be able to run in multiple with 20137 due to the exhauster having not been fitted yet. This might cut down on it's availability but, it'll make those rostered opportunities all the more sweeter!
We also had our 4th 'Double Up Sunday' on the 3rd September with our Class 47s having their second outing on this event - having had the honour of the first one.
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| 47376 'Freightliner 1995' leads 47105 away from Toddington on 3 Sept 2023 during the 4th 'Double Up Sunday'. (Courtesy of Chris Morgan) |
This was the last 'Double Up Sunday' of this operating year, however they have proven very popular and drawn good crowds. Here's hoping they return next year.
On the subject of events, we have two big events coming up that will see diesels in action. Firstly, on Sunday, 24 September, the Growler Group will be celebrating 37215's 25th Anniversary in Preservation with the loco working the PINK TT diesel turn.
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| 37215, along with D6948, during the 3rd 'Double Up Sunday' in August. |
Secondly, our end of season 'Autumn Showcase' mixed traffic Gala will take place on the 28th and 29th October 2023 and will see all the fleet on show. This year we have decided to do something different and have split the weekend by engine type. Saturday 28th will see three of our five Sulzer powered locos - 5081, 47105 and 47376 - operating, and Sunday 29th three of our four English Electric locos will be operating - 20137, 37215 and D6948.
As always, www.gwsr.com for all event related information.
