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Ex-Leighton Buzzard Motor-Rail

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by SpudUk, Feb 27, 2018.

  1. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Hi Folks,

    In one of my random journeys on the internet I found a nugget of information on Motor-Rail no. 436 (121UA117). Originally from Fluorspar Mines, it was last seen in a scrapyard in South Wales. Does anyone have any more information on it?
     
    SpudUk, Feb 27, 2018
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  2. William Shelford

    William Shelford Member

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    MR 121U117 was tested at Leighton Buzzard by Motor Rail when new. This was the last loco Motor Rail tested at Leighton Buzzard (having used the line for years when required).
    Motor Rail's successor's Alan Keef Ltd, have however tested three locomotives since. These being AK 28, AK 38 (which is a steam loco) and AK 80.
     
    William Shelford, Feb 27, 2018
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  3. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Interesting! Do you know any of it's history? All I can find is that it was at Fluorspar, and then seen in 2002 at this scrapyard in Wales
     
    SpudUk, Feb 27, 2018
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  4. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    First there was 2ft gauge MR 121U117 of 1971, ordered by International Nickel Company of Canada, c1970, but not delivered. Trialled at London Brick, Kempston Hardwick Works, Beds, 5/6/1971 to c8/1972.

    Then there was 2ft gauge MR 123U123 of 1972, an experimental remote controlled loco.
    Trialled at Joseph Arnold, Leighton Buzzard. (dates?)
    Trialled at BSC Blackdene Fluorspar Mine (photograph of it there 7/1972 in The Narrow Gauge 67)

    Then there was metre gauge MR 121UA117 of 1974, new to Johnson Progress, contractor, Nash Treatment Works, Gwent, 12/1974. Loco taken over by Welsh Water and retained at Nash.
    To Talywain Building Supplies, Abersychan, Gwent, 4/1988.
    To B Harris, scrap dealer, Cwmbran, early 1994. Still there as far as I know.

    I think all three above are essentially the same loco but I’m open to comment.
     
    kscanes, Feb 27, 2018
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  5. decauville1126

    decauville1126 New Member

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    The last one I tried to find when staying nearby late last year. The site is a former brickworks now in use by many businesses - as a PSV driver it seemed the last place I would want my vehicles maintained if you get my drift! I think by elimination I located the relevant 'premises' but no obvious sign of the loco nor anyone to actually ask.
     
    decauville1126, Feb 27, 2018
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  6. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    This is the one! We've moving to near Cwmbran and wondered the status of it. Last seen in 2002 I believe
     
    SpudUk, Feb 28, 2018
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  7. Felix Holt

    Felix Holt Guest

    Cwmbran [kʊmbrɑːn], 'crow valley'
    Have fun!
     
    Felix Holt, Feb 28, 2018
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