D2046 - Class 03
Diesel Shunter

The Class 03 Diesel Mechanical Shunters were built at Doncaster and Swindon between 1957 and 1962 with 230 being produced.  Withdrawals started in 1968 and over 50 still survive in preservation and industry. They were designed for light duties such as shunting in locomotive and carriage depots and station pilots. With a short wheel base and light axle loading they could go virtually anywhere on the network.

D2046 was built at Doncaster in 1958 and worked in the N.E. of England, being withdrawn from Thornaby on 3rd October 1971, before receiving an 03 TOPS number.  Hunslet in Leeds had modified, flame-proofed, the locomotive for use in Teesport Refinery and received their Works No. 6644 of 1967. She was purchased by Gulf Oil and was used at Waterston Refinery, Milford Haven, carrying Running No. 2. It is believed that in 2000 the locomotive was moved on to Petroplus in Pembrokeshire and then to Merthyr Tydfil where it was overhauled and repainted in preparation for being put up for sale. By March 2006 the locomotive had been moved to Goodman's Yard at Wilshaw near Sutton Coldfield.  D2046 has been privately purchased for use at the Plym Valley Railway.

On arrival at Marsh Mills the Gardner engine has been freed up, as it was seized, and the water/oil mixture drained from the engine sump.  The water from the cooling system had somehow found its way into the oil sump, so this will need to be rectified before the engine can be started.  In its recent history the locomotive has been shot blasted and a lot of the residue was still covering the engine and in all the nooks and crannies around the frames. The axle boxes will also receive new oil pads as these are also contaminated. Over the years the locomotive has been modified, and presumably to reduce the chance of sparks when working in oil refineries does not have batteries or electric starter motor any more.  Starting is either via a hydraulic pump up system or if there is air pressure an air motor.  Once the locomotive is running then attention will be turned to the bodywork and a repaint.

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D2046 at Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield. Feb. 2008.	Being delivered to P.V.R. 28 May 2008.	Waiting to be towed off the road transporter.
Stored on the delivery line. May 2008.	D2046 by flash.	Fluid coupling and air start motor on the right side of the engine.

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