Non-Steam Locomotives: Exhibit No. 10
‘MILFORD’ Diesel locomotive
Type: 4WDM 4-wheel drive diesel–mechanical mine locomotive
Track gauge: 1 metre
Motive power: 30 h.p. Ruston 3-cylinder 3VSO diesel engine
Built by: Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln, 1941. Works No. 211679
Working life: Delivered new to the Admiralty in 1941, this engine worked at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot, Milford Haven, from 1942 until 1985, carrying out similar duties on armaments trains to ‘The Rock’, previously described.
History to date: Acquired in 1985 for use by the Trust, it is of some local interest as locomotives of this same type (varying only in gauge) were to be found working at several sites in Northamptonshire. Irthlingborough Mines had ten 3 foot gauge examples and Wellingborough Iron Company had five 2' 4" gauge engines, which worked in the Finedon Mines.
Present owner: Northamptonshire Locomotive Group. On loan to Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Trust.