Ruston and Hornsby 165hp Diesel Shunter 319290
| Ruston and Hornsby 165hp Diesel Shunter 319290 | |
|---|---|
 'D2957' at Bewdley in May 2017, newly renumbered 319290 | |
| Built By | Ruston & Hornsby |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 |
| Power type | Diesel Mechanical |
| Status | Operational |
| Loco Number | 319290 |
| Other Numbers | D2957 (fictitious) |
| History | |
| Built | 1952 |
| Designed By | Ruston & Hornsby |
| Type | DM165 |
| 1972 | Arrived on SVR |
| Technical | |
| Length | 22ft 1in |
| Weight | 28t |
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.
Contents
319290 in Service
The locomotive was built by Ruston and Hornsby of Lincoln as works number 319290 of 1953 for use by Robertson Thain at their Ellesmere Port ironworks. In February 1960 it was sold to B.I.P. Chemicals at Langley Green where it was used in the sidings on the Stourbridge to Birmingham line[1].
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[2] but soon acquired by 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.[3] 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 D577 Mary the previous weekend.[4] 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 Wickham trolleys.[5]
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.[2]
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.[6]
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,[3] after which it was commonly referred to as the "Red Ruston".
In 1977 SVR News reported 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."[7] 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 5000 until the following day.[8]
In late 1980 the SVR acquired a further four 165hp Ruston Diesel shunters after the closure of the Paten Shaft Steelworks at Wednesbury. Of those in the best condition, 11509 Alan was allocated as Bewdley shunter, while works no 418956 was the Diesel Electric version and was originally intended for Permanent Way duties.[9] However, experience proved that it was better suited to yard work, leaving 319290 allocated to P.Way duties.[10]
In 1980 the engine received a thorough overhaul, the first since arrival. The locomotive also spent a period on loan to the Army depot at Long Marston while their own shunter was under repair.[2] In late 1981 319290 received attention to the axleboxes at Bridgnorth.[11]
During 1982 the locomotive was still in regular use on P.Way trains, being photographed during relaying of sleepers at Folly Point in November.[12] On 28 February 1983, it became the first locomotive to cross the newly built Bridgnorth Bypass Bridge.[13] However by 1985, consideration was being given to acquiring a more powerful loco for P.Way work, the Ruston's 15 mph top speed on what had become a 16 mile railway with heavier works trains resulting in restricted loads and reduced working time on site and from time to time the need double heading with D2960 Silver Spoon. This resulted in the establishing of the SVR P-Way Diesel Fund[14] and the eventual purchase of BR Class 25 D7633, which arrived in January 1988. However 319290 continued to see occasional P.Way use, including being used during the laying of tracks for the new platform 2 at Kidderminster in 1990.[15].
After a period out of use, the ‘Red Ruston’ was lifted for wheel removal and mechanical repairs at Kidderminster in March 1991. The wheels were sent to Bridgnorth for journal turning,[16] while the repairs incorporated parts from several other Rustons subsequently cannibalised for parts, including Alan and Archibald. The locomotive was also repainted in BR green livery with the fictitious number D2957.[2]
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.[2]
In 2003 D2957 was recorded as serviceable and based at Bewdley.[17]Since that time it has continued to act as yard shunter in Bewdley Down Yard. In May 2017 it was repainted in R&H livery and renumbered 319290. It is maintained by the Bewdley Carriage & Wagon Department.
Gallery
319290, numbered D2957, at Bewdley in 2015
319290 with STW equipment
Newly repainted 319290 in Bewdley Yard in 2017
See also
References
- ↑ SVR News 23
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 SVR News 133, "The Early SVR shunters", Chris Magner
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 SVR Stock Book Ninth Edition
- ↑ SVR News 41
- ↑ SVR News 33
- ↑ SVR News 35
- ↑ SVR News 44
- ↑ SVR News 52
- ↑ SVR News 58
- ↑ SVR News 60
- ↑ SVR News 62
- ↑ SVR News 69
- ↑ SVR News 68
- ↑ SVR News 79
- ↑ SVR News 98
- ↑ SVR News 100
- ↑ SVR News 146
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