Llangollen Diesel Group

The radiators were removed from 37240 last Sunday in order to repair the corrosion damage that is causing the loco to lose water. In order to remove a 37’s radiators,  the roof section containing the radiator fan must first be removed. The bolts on the roof section came out OK, but those holding 240’s rads down proved a little more stubborn (lord knows when they were last removed), so a bit of gentle persuasion was required in the form of Mr Perry and a gas axe. In scenes more reminiscent of Booths of Rotheram, 240’s rad room was left filled with metal smoke! The difficult bit was keeping Mr Perry from carrying on ; >.

Next, the fan module was lifted clear using the crane:

With the roof section removed the radiators then followed suit and are seen ready to be moved into the shed for repair and being beautifully modelled by Messrs Smales, Evans and Jones. Rad VEG!

The empty radiator room – which will now be cleaned and painted.

Cheers to Colin “Bryn, where are my keys” Cooper for the phots.

Tez Pickthall

37240 successfully worked her morning drivers experience trip on Saturday 5th September. The photo below shows her powering away from Goods Junction (thanks to Si Searle for this cracking shot):

Unfortunately, she then failed half way through her first public trip with low water and oil pressure. Our apologies to disappoint those that turned up to support us. The Group has put a lot of work into trying to get the loco back into traffic after numerous niggling faults, mostly resulting from a long period of inactivity. Although she has been tested light engine and run up twice during the week, a loaded test run had not been possible.

We’ve yet to find out if the reasons behind her low water and oil pressure are serious. The loco will not work another public train on the line until we are confident she can perform reliably.

Moving on to more positive news, D5310 should arrive at Llangollen next week, with 25313 leaving Llangollen on the 7th September. We’re all very much looking forward to the 26’s debut running day on the 26th of September.

Best wishes

Tez Pickthall, Publicity Officer

We’re pleased to announce that 37240 is back in traffic following completion of repairs to the cooling system. A test run to Glyndyfrdwy and back has confirmed all is well.

The purchase of D5310 and sale of 25313 are in their final stages and we should be in a position to confirm an arrival date for our new resident soon. Unfortunately 25313 is not in operational condition and will be unable to operate a farewell working.