Narrow gauge diesel locomotives previously owned by British Rail

Of interest what ex BR diesel NG locomotives still exist preserved or otherwise. Previously worked in engineering workshop , yards or quarry maybe.

Regards.

 

This Ruston, 85049, is ex Chesterton Junction PW Depot and is currently based at the Mountsorrel Heritage Centre....

 

Didn’t know there was a narrow gauge system there, have you any more gen @Johann Marsbar? I go past Cambridge North on my way to work it’d be nice to find out a bit more about what went on there.

 

I don't think it was a particularly large NG operation and the NG locos were invariably hidden by other objects, but I can remember seeing one of them on at least one occasion in the 1970's from a passing train. An IRS area handbook I have lists two Rustons (85049 & 85051), 2 bogie flats, 3 skips and 2 flat wagons! The comment is that the NG system was used to transport reclaimed track fittings around the yard and was in use from 1956 to 1986.

 

There were two 2ft gauge Ruston LBT class locos at Chesterton Junction, 85049 RH works number 393325 (now at Mountsorrel as previously stated) and 85051 RH 404967 (now with the Ashover Light Railway Society in Derbyshire).

Above is 404967 taken in 1982.

Another one would be the Horwich Works 1'6" gauge Ruston, ZM32 RH 416214, now at Steeple Grange.

 

Ruston 48DS no. 411322/1958, numbered ED10, 3' gauge (though I believe it's now metre gauge), now preserved at Irchester. Was built for use at Beeston Sleeper Works.

Currently looks like this...

https://farm9.static.flickr.com/8491/8270074192_1c8778088e.jpg

But did look like this in a previous life after Beeston.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Tracked_Hovercraft_Ruston_(6692327847)_(2).jpg

 

Cheers mate, I’ll have a look into it, it’s right on the doorstep for me but I didn’t know there was a NG system there.

 

Does anyone know what happened to the Hudswell Clarke 'Crewe' diesel D563 aka ZM9? (The first diesel built for the LMS)

(Information is scant, wiki says it is at Steeple Grange but I think that is confusing ZM32 with ZM9)

 

I think there are 6 ex-BR N.G. locos (including grouping ones) that are still extant:

As previously mentioned 85049, 85051 and ED10.

ZM32 Horwich Works - Steeple Grange 18" gauge
Monty LNER Lowestoft Sleeper Works - Apedale- 3' gauge
10 VoR - class 98/1 - was a genuine BR loco, albeit for about 2 or 3 years!

I also think there are 10 ex-BR narrow gauge still extant as well!

 

Those are great pictures of ZM9 and 'Crewe, unusual arrangement of the con-rod and coupling rod!

 

Lovely photos. All I have is: New to Crewe, to Horwich 1934, "Withdrawn" 10/1957. Nothing further, I assume scrapped. Shame.

 

Zm9 ended its days at Horwich and was driven off the end of one of the tip sidings into a hole,

Pointless trying to find it as I suspect its surrounded by lots of other nasties

 

Do you mean deliberately or by accident? I wonder why it wasn't sold for scrap? Was scrap worth so little back then?

 

Doesn't surprise me much. My old boss told me Merlin aircraft engines were amongst much else dumped in several airfield bomb craters at the end of WWII .... and as a Squadron Leader who was there, I've no reason to disbelieve that.

 

Deliberately I suspect it was beyond economical repair with a mclaren benz engine and bostock and bramley transmission... I'd. Love to. Find a transmission of the same type though...

 

So good to see Ruston 85051 at work , 1982. Thank you.
We plan on removing engine when possible to correct an oil leak on rear of engine. Have a replacement starter motor and wiring ready to fit save us from swinging on the handle although to be fair it usually starts first time.

Does anyone have a photo of 85049 at Chesterton Junction.
Thanks

 

Question, what numbers where in the ZM SERIES I've been looking for a list but Come up with little or. Naught

 

It was parked up, spare, the day I visited:

 

Ruston LBT and others, 3vsh head gaskets on ebay now. Original gaskets. Be quick.
Mr Hooley has two left. Just received mine and very happy.

 

Thank you for posting photos. Good to see loco in original work surroundings.

85049 is very popular at Mount Sorrel heritage centre. They have a loop of track giving demonstrations. Happy days when you see, hear the little visitors watching the little yellow loco and trucks.
Best to confirm with them prior to any visit to see if Ruston loco is planned to be out and about. Although if its not out i'm sure the volunteers would open up the building so you can see loco's.
The cafe there is amazing best cakes, brews and snacks.
When centre is back open will give 049 a full service.