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→319290 in Preservation: additional history
'''Ruston and Hornsby Diesel Shunter 319290 ''' is the longest serving of a number of 165 h.p. Ruston and Hornsby diesel shunters acquired by the SVR, and is of the diesel-mechanical variety.
==319290 in Service==
==319290 in Preservation==
319290 was the first Ruston and Hornsby shunter on the SVR, arriving from B.I.P on 18 March 1972 initially on loan<ref name=SVR133>SVR News 133, “The "''The Early SVR shunters''", Chris Magner</ref> but soon acquired by [[Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC | SVR(H)]]. At the time it was considered the only reliable diesel shunter and was initially based at Bridgnorth where it was in constant demand for shunting duties as well as being used on Engineers’ trains along the line.<ref Name=SB9>SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition</ref> In February 1973 319290 was called on to shunt [[GWR Large Prairie 4141]] up the back road at [[Hampton Loade]] station into its new home for restoration, a task which had defeated the smaller shunter [[Hudswell Clarke Diesel Shunter D577 Mary|D577 Mary]] the previous weekend.<ref>SVR News 41</ref> In spring of that year it was also used for the first time on a weed killing train composed of wagons, the annual task having previously been carried out from small and slow moving [[:Category:Wickham Trolley|Wickham trolleys]].<ref>SVR News 33</ref>
In June 1973, [[3205]] failed near Oldbury on a Hampton Loade to Bridgnorth train. 319290 went to the rescue and hauled the train into Bridgnorth, so becoming the first of the SVR's Rustons to haul a passenger service.<ref name=SVR133/>
During winter 1974-75 319290 suffered a mechanical issue, resulting in it only being able to travel forwards. [[WD 193 Shropshire]] was therefore kept serviceable for use on works trains until repairs were completed.<ref>SVR News 35</ref>
Originally the locomotive had no number other than its works number. In winter 1975 it was repainted from green into maroon livery with cream lining,<ref name=SB9/> after which it was commonly referred to as the “Red Ruston”"'''Red Ruston'''".
In 1977 SVR News reported [[Tales from the Severn Valley#Minor derailments|the story of 45110 being derailed on a piece of coal]]. The article noted that "''The driver involved already has his name inscribed on the trophy recording these events, a small matter involving the Ruston diesel and a crushed Wickham trolley''."<ref>SVR News 44</ref> The Ruston was in trouble again on Good Friday, 13 April 1979 when it was derailed on trap points in Bridgnorth yard, requiring re-railing by the steam crane and delaying the planned boiler lift of [[LMS Stanier Class 5 45000|LMS 5000]] until the following day.<ref>SVR News 52</ref>
In summer 1994, D2957 became the first locomotive to be turned on the new [[Kidderminster Turntable]]. It was driven by Dave Shackleford, who also used it for powering the weed killing train worked over the whole line in spring 1995. After a further spell out of use, Brian Bessey renovated the engine.<ref name=SVR133/>
In 2003 D2957 was recorded as serviceable and based at Bewdley.<ref>SVR News 146</ref>Since that time it has continued to act as yard shunter in [[Bewdley Down Yard]]. In January 2015 most of the materials and equipment for the work carried out by Severn Trent Water on the [[Elan Valley Aqueduct]] were transported to site from Bewdley goods yard by D2957 due to the unsuitability of Northwood Lane for heavy traffic (see photo below). In May 2017 it the locomotive was repainted in R&H livery and renumbered 319290. It is maintained by the [[Bewdley Carriage & Wagon Department]].
==Gallery==
