North British 0-6-0DH

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When the North British company collapsed in the 1960s, its goodwill was aquired by Barclays but the “population” of NB diesel locos reduced as many parts became unobtainable. There were tales in the locomotive industry of engines running with pistons removed or "You want a valve spring? We'll send you a selection, pick the right one and send the rest back..." which indicate that NB's policy of making main components themselves left a legacy of problems for operators that resulted in otherwise rugged locomotives being scrapped before their time.

This 50ton 0-6-0DH, originally 107 at the East Moors steelworks in Cardiff, would have had an MAN engine but having passed into preservation in 1970s, was seen as a “no-hoper” and was near to being scrapped when Andrew stepped in to save it. There is only one other NB 0-6-0DH in the UK, although several 0-4-0DHs survive.

Showing signs of heavy abuse, it will require considerable work including a new cab fabrication, but a low-hours Paxman 6RPH Mk7 (from a standby generator in the Mersey Tunnel) has been aquired and mounted temporarily. However, there is a strong  possibility that the final drive stage of the loco has a serious defect, and as the Voith transmission is an "unknown" (as well as restricting the range of engines that can be installed) Andrew is considering converting the loco with a Twin Disc/RF11 combination whilst retaining the external appearance.

More photos of this loco can be found in the Gallery section, here