After preservation E6003 was based at the Lavender line in Sussex until 2001 when it was agreed that our loco would attend
a diesel gala at the Great Central Railway. The appearance fee was agreed to be in the form of a repaint to be
undertaken at the GCR's workshop. Congestion in the paint shop meant that the repaint was delayed and E6003 continued
to operate at the GCR in the care of the Type 1 Locomotive Group hauling service trains until the repaint could commence.
In 2005 the arrangements were made for the repaint to start and at the same time we contracted with the workshop
to undertake refurbishment work to deal with areas of rust as well as serious leaks in the cab roofs. The condition
of the fiberglass cabs roofs was the cause of serious concern with evidence that they were waterlogged and holding perhaps
2-300lbs of water. This was caused by wear and tear, cracks due rust in the steel frame and the fitting of cab
to shore radio aerials shortly before withdrawl from mainline service. Unfortunately, the spare roofs available from
scrapped locos were found to be in equally poor condition and the decision was made to repair the existing roofs.
The delay caused by the roofs meant that although the repaint and bodywork repairs were completed the refurbishment could
not be finished at the GCR. At this stage we were invited to move our loco to the Swindon & Cricklade
Railway where space would be available in their extensive shed at Hayes Knoll.
The move was completed in late 2006 (with punctures and breakdowns making it possibly one of the longest ever!)
and work commenced on the repair of the two cab roofs and the reassembly of the cabs of our loco.
A first test run was undertaken in March 2007 (without glazing and in between showers!) to confirm that the loco
was operational. Work then continued refitting the glass, restoring the cab panelling and getting E6003 ready
for service with it hauling its first service train in June 2007.
More work is required on the cab roofs but E6003 continues in regular service as part of the railway's diesel
fleet.
Please note that in order to work on E6003 you must be a member of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway
