‘Crompton’ stands in for failed NLR main line residents
PRIVATELY-owned Class 33 No. 33053 arrived at the Northampton & Lamport Railway at 09.00 on May 28 and worked all trains over the bank holiday weekend. Following the previous weekend’s services, both resident main line locos Nos. 31289 and 47205 were failed, and the NLR was then without a loco of any sort for the forthcoming holiday weekend. Frantic telephone calls were made on the Monday resulting in the ‘just-in-time’ delivery of No. 33053 from its base at UKRL, Leicester. It was used every operating day up until August 8, except July 25, and is staying for at least six months, but probably until after the New Year. The two failed residents are receiving attention. The Class 31 is awaiting an oil change after oil contamination by rainwater entered via the turbos. It was expected to be completed at the end of August, but there is no date set for the Class 47. This is also waiting an oil change due to contamination by fuel, with the injectors and fuel pumps sent away for overhaul.