SVR P-Way Diesel Fund

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D7633 in 2007, after leaving the SVRSevern Valley Railway

By autumn 1985 the Permanent Way Department were finding that using 15 mph 0-4-0 RustonRuston and Hornsby Ltd. of Lincoln, engineer and locomotive manufacturer acquired by English Electric in 1966. Also, Ruston-Bucyrus Ltd established in 1930 and jointly owned by Ruston and Hornsby and Bucyrus-Erie (US) Diesel shunters on an extended 16 mile railway was leading to restricted loads and reduced working time on site.[1] The weight of some works trains was proving too much for even double-headed Rustons. Members of the Department formed a committee and established a Fund to acquire a more powerful diesel. Initial options considered for purchase were a Class 14 from the NCBNational Coal Board or Class 25 from BRBritish Rail or British Railways.[2]

By spring 1986 the committee had decided to opt for a Class 25 for several reasons, including the lack of availability of a suitable Class 14, the feeling that a Class 25 would command more popular support, and the option to use the Class 25 as emergency standby for passenger services. The committee notified BRBritish Rail or British Railways of their interest, while fund raising continued.[3]

The Fund eventually acquired BR Class 25 D7633, which arrived in January 1988.[4] The locomotive was later sold to the DeanWilliam Dean, Chief Locomotive Engineer of the Great Western Railway 1877-1902 Forest Railway in 2003[5].

See also

Preservation groups formerly associated with the SVR

References

  1. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 78
  2. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 78
  3. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 79
  4. SVRSevern Valley Railway Stock Book Ninth Edition
  5. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 146