Ruston & Hornsby No. 5525947
Rusty
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While it may be called Rusty, this loco is one of the most handsome locos on the line. Being one of the last locomotives built by Ruston, it demonstrates the final days of the great manufacturer.
INFORMATION
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Rusty at the Old Loco Shed |
HISTORY
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End of an Era
This loco was built in 1968 and worked for Blue Circle Industries Ltd Central Works at Kirton Lindsey, Humberside.
It was the second to last of its type, a 287hp Paxman engined class LSSH built at Ruston & Hornsby's Lincoln works. The renown builder of industrial shunters ceased manufacture the following year in December 1969. It didn't have to travel far to its new home being delivered new in 1968 to Kirton Lime Works just north of Lincoln. It spent its entire working career here until rail traffic ceased. The loco was named 'Don Atkinson' after the factory manager. |
Rusty at Blue Circle ©Adrian Nicholls |
Rusty pulling a passenger service |
Early WorkhorseIt left for preservation in 1993, and in 1995 it was brought from a coach firm for use at Telford.
Now owned by Telford Steam Railway, she is fitted with vacuum braking equipment for passenger operation and affectionally known as Rusty and resplendent in pseudo British Rail Blue livery. Rusty was the mainstay of early diesel services but is now mainly used on engineering duties. |
CURRENT STATUSRusty was withdrawn for repair in 2022. It is believed that the engine will require significant repair or replacement.
Further inspection will hopefully take place in the near future before a works plan will be drawn up. The engine oil has been drained to allow easier removal/recovery of the big end components for when we come to remove the block and pistons. This will also allow the sump to be flushed out and an oil change to be undertaken. |
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