Sunday 13/12/09
11/03/64: The pioneer 47, D1500, stands at York shed as a Deltic passes by. Of course this and D1501 are now preserved, the latter (47402, and now devoid of Gateshead nameplates) has had its body overhaul and repaint into original two tone green livery completed and on Saturday it left East Lancs' Castlecroft shed. Finishing touches including bogie painting will be completed on this within the next week or so and 'D1501' will make its full working debut on 09/01/10 at the East Lancs Diesel Theme day.
In 2009 D1501 has received a lot of work, having a lot of new steelwork a lot of new steelwork around all cab doors both floor and door pillars following extensive rot. All of the steel gutters on the roof were replaced with aluminium ones and a lot of steelwork had to be replaced around them, most of the glass including windscreens were replaced and all windows had new rubbers, and the headcode blinds and mechanisms were overhauled (it'll be remembered that at least one end was stuck for a long time). Mechanically, only new brake blocks and traction motor brushes needing attention was all that was needed and the loco started first time after six months in the shed.
The loco now looks very tidy, especially compared to it's faded BR blue style last seen, and to add to the authenticity the headlights and of course the nameplates have been removed.
Photo Copyright: Brian Sherrington collection, info thanks to Team 1501 at the Bury Diesel Group