Shelagh of Eskdale
From Ratty
| |
| Shelagh of Eskdale | |
|---|---|
| Wheel Arrangement | 4-6-4 |
| Year of Origin | 1881 |
| Designer | David Curwen |
| Builder | Severn-Lamb |
| Length | 17' 7" |
| Livery | Two-Tone Green |
| Status | In Traffic |
Incorporating the crankwebs and sliding centre-axle of the Heywood locomotive, Ella, Shelagh of Eskdale was constructed in 1969 by Severn-Lamb of Stratford-on-Avon. Construction began in 1955 when Heathcotes of Cleator Moor built the chassis. As the railway's future was in doubt at the time, the diesel was not completed, despite the fact that both Quarryman and the Passenger Tractor were ageing and wearing.
When the new company took over, they sent the chassis to Severn-Lamb to be completed, where David Curwen designed a twin-cab diesel with a Ford 4D engine and Linde Hydrostatic transmission, creating a Diesel Hydraulic locomotive. These were upgraded in 1975 with a Perkins 6/354 engine, and replaced altogether in 1998, when it gained a Ford industrial engine with Spicer Compact Shuttle transmission, making it a Diesel Mechanical engine.
She visited both the Liverpool and Gateshead Garden Festivals, and pulled the Royal Train at the former, and now carries a plaque commemorating this. The engine carries a two-tone green livery and is a general user engine. In full yellow service, however, it can usually be seen driven by Martin Willey.
