Non-Steam Locomotives: Exhibit No. 14
‘Armoured’ Diesel locomotive
Type: 4WDM Diesel–mechanical ‘Protected’ locomotive
Track gauge: 3 feet
Motive power: 40 h.p. Fowler Sanders 4 cylinder diesel engine
Built by: Motor Rail & Tramcar Co. Ltd, Bedford, 1918. Works No. 1363. Rebuilt by them in 1926 as works No. 3797.
Working life: Ordered by the War Department Light Railways in December 1917, this locomotive was delivered some time between July and December 1918 and apparently did not see active service. This class of engine was used for hauling supplies, ammunition, etc. in front-line areas, where some form of protection for the operators was very desirable to enable the service to be maintained!
Originally built to 2 foot gauge, the locomotive was rebuilt (to 3 foot gauge) in 1926 by Motor Rail & Tramcar Co. Ltd for Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd and subsequently worked at Sundon Cement Works in Bedfordshire until withdrawn from service in 1973.
History to date: In 1974 the locomotive was sold, and there followed a period of private storage and initial restoration in Bedfordshire. It eventually arrived at the museum in 1989 and work is in progress to restore the locomotive to working condition.
This is a rare example of this unusual type of ‘Partially Armoured’ engine and we are looking forward to seeing it in working service again – although we hope that ‘protection’ will be solely of historical interest and not a necessity!
Present status: On loan to Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Trust.