Ruston No. 229633
​Ruston 20DL

Our resident narrow gauge diesel has been under restoration for many years. This loco helps tell the story of the military narrow gauge railways that helped powered our industry.

INFORMATION

Built : 1944 
Class : 20DL
Type : 0-4-0 
Build No : 229633
Name : N/A

Arrived : 2022
Status : Final Restoration
Owner : Private

Ruston at Old Loco Shed Station

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HISTORY

Military Machine

Built in 1944 and sent to the Central Ordnance Depot at Chilwell, and in 1951 transferred to Liphook depot. Probably returned to Chilwell as noted at Barlow as being ex-Chilwell. 1964 to MoD central workshops Arncott (Bicester) for overhaul where the cab and quencher were added.

​17th September 1965 the loco was sent to N.C.O.S.D. (Northern Command Ordnance Supply Depot), Barlow and attributed Army number 27.

15th February 1978 to MoD Lydd Ranges. Attributed LR No.5. Late 1986/early 1987 to J. Wells & Son, Hilsea Yard, Portsmouth (scrap dealer) Mr Wilfred S. Simms rescued the locomotive. 

Ruston at N.C.O.S.D, Barlow

Ruston prior to restoration

Travelling Loco

In 1990, the locomotive was donated to Orkney Islands Council for the Lyness Interpretation Centre (Scapa Flow Museum). Mr Simms also donated at the same time Ruston 210961 and BEV 3805, all three were on display at Scapa Flow.

​They were later transferred to the Internal Fire Museum of Power, Tan-y-groes. He had originally envisaged setting up a narrow gauge railway at the museum but gave up on the idea, and the locos were put into storage.

The loco was sold to a private site in Surrey before being sent to Hollycombe. Purchased and transferred to a private site in Telford before arriving with its new owner at TSR.

CURRENT STATUS

Since arriving at TSR the loco has undergone an extensive overhaul. The loco turned up with three different engines, and between them the owner has installed a new working unit. A new radiator has been constructed along with new body pieces.

The cab is being rebuilt and will be re-fitted to the loco. It shall be repainted into its army livery with wasp stripes. 

It is planned for the loco to take its first run in preservation on the 6th & 7th June at the Narrow Gauge Gala.

Ruston under restoration

FIRST RUN IN PRESERVATION !

The Ruston will take its first public runs in preservation at our narrow gauge gala.

On the 6th & 7th June, we will host our first ever narrow gauge gala. Three locomotives will be out on the line in a variety of formations. 

Check out the event page for more information !

Click Here !

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