Heritage Shunters

[Dava]

Diesel  shunters are too often the Cinderellas of preserved railways, being used for a few years for stock and PW shunting but being cast aside when they need major repairs. But the sheer variety of types ordered by BR in the 1950’s-60’s, most of which are long gone with many classes completely extinct, makes them interesting and they are very useful for models.

Seeing the range of locos preserved at the Heritage Shunters Trust at Rowsley, Peak Rail, meant this was an essential visit and their gala weekend on 20-21 Sept was an ideal opportunity. They were running a brake van shuttle service from the cattle dock at Rowsley up to their depot, using two locos which were alternated. The cost of £5/person (that’s two then) plus £3 for a nicely illustrated stocklist might seem steep, but with this group you can see exactly where the money is going – into high quality restoration and depot accommodation for their unique fleet of locos. Plus they are all very friendly and I don’t know any where else you can ride in a choice of brake vans with an 02 on one end and an 03 on the other (or 09 if you prefer).

They have 25 ex-BR diesel shunters, including very rare survivors from classes 01, 05, 06 (the very last) and fine collections of 6 x 03, 6 x 04, and 07, 08, 09, 2 x 14 and 97 (PWM ). There are also various ex-industrial and a class 12 and repatriated Dutch 350hp loco around.

The restored locos are excellent, with 10 or 11 being operational so far and most of the rest on display. Having multiple examples of 04 and 03 lined up means you can see the detail differences between the versions, for example the early 04s such as D2205 had smaller wheels, a longer wheelbase and different cab from the later versions. You just can’t see this anywhere else.

So if you are modelling a heritage shunter and need detail shots, or just want to admire this unique collection, its highly recommended. I’ll be going back – will they roster an 04 please?

http://www.heritageshunters.co.uk/

 

02 D2854 on the brake vans

 

03 113 on the other end

 

05 D2857 heads a line of stored locos

 

06003 - last survivor, why did we miss all the others?

 

D2205, a first series Drewry/Vulcan 04

 

D2337, a restored RSH 04

 

D2953, a rare Barclay class 01

 

Another Barclay, a WD 0-4-0DM

 

07001 gleams in the sunshine!

Edited September 22, 2013 by Dava

[Gilbert]

A few photos from me

[Dava]

Thank you, good to get the back end of the 01 which was bleached out in my shot. That 09 was very smart!

[Gilbert]

I have many more if you missed any!

[Jongudmund]

Does anyone do a model of the Class 01?

[Dava]

I think Judith Edge do them in 4mm & 7mm...

[Dava]

Update about Heritage Shunters Trust gala weekend 25-26 May 2019 - see:

 https://www.heritageshunterstrust.com/events

 

Just £6 on Sunday morning. Unrivalled collection of rare ex-BR and industrial shunters

details from the webpage:

 

"We have pleasure in announcing our 2019 Gala Events. We always try and put on a good show for you the enthusiasts, and the general public as well. Please remember, that all income raised goes directly to restoring and conserving our unique collection of BR shunters, that can never be rivalled!!

   So support us if you can by visiting and travelling on our trains, and enjoying our collection of over 25 locomotives!!

                                                                  

             25th & 26th of May 2019                                               Andrew Wilson Memorial Gala

            or Brillo's Bashers Ball

 

We are going to debut, or re-debut our 14 that has been "off Roster", for at least 8 years, so the Gala will be run with these NINE locos appearing each day from the following list in no particular order; 

 

              D2953, D2854, D2139, 03113, D2205, D2284, D2587 & Bigga,  and the star of the show D9525,all of course subject to availability

(08016 will  operate as the "Thunderbird Loco".)

All trains will operate from the "Cattle Dock" adjacent to, the turntable and run down to our Running Shed. Guided tours will be available. Alternatively, you can wander round the locos in our collection, including both of our sheds,but please don't go across our running line while locos or trains are moving. Please also note we cannot give permission for you to wander around the adjacent Peak Rail storage sidings or their shed.

The trains will be operated in the usual way, two guards vans with at least one loco at each end. At the moment its envisaged that we will be running;

Three locos, then an engine change. Three locos then another engine change, then three locos which will conclude the day. Each set of locos will run at least two full trips.The trains will start at 10.00am prompt. There will be an Intermission around 13.00 for 40 minutes for a break, then trains should start running promptly again, and carry on till around 16.30hrs. During the break, light refreshments will be available in our running shed, where there will be seating and tables available for your use. Of course you may elect to use Peak Rail's facility on the Station, where a full hot menu of meals is offered. If you are travelling on our shuttles when the break is to be taken you, will be forewarned and have the choice of alighting at the cattle dock to use Peak Rail's refreshment facility, or  return to alight at our running shed for light refreshments. The Exhibition shed and our yards  will be closed for viewing during this time.

 

On the day: Day rover Ticket Price - Adults £16, Seniors and under 16's £14.  Online discount price: Adults £14, Seniors and under 16's £13. Single ride (plus visit to our sheds) ticket, Valid Sunday 10am-1pm only. Adults £6, Seniors and under 16's £4."

 

 

 

Edited May 24, 2019 by Dava
Correction

[25901]

Had many a hour rebuilding D2587 at Bury including removing the front buffer beam, as for driving her she could be fun.

 

Pic is of sister D2595s cab and shows crash box gears 

[Dava]

This weekend was the diesel gala at Heritage Shunters Trust at Rowsley. Sunday morning was rather wet with some showers before it cleared around lunchtime. A friendly welcome to the finest collection of small ex-BR diesel shunters to be found, with excellent examples of complete restorations and rebuilds.

 

This was my first visit since 2013. After a slow start, it got more interesting as locos were changed on the shuttle train of two LMS brake vans, starting with 04 D2284 and PWM654 paired with 05 D2587. These were exchanged for the superb pairing of 04 D2205 and 03 D2139, with blue 03113 at the front. Lots of ideas for your shunting plank layout!

 

My little video here:

https://spark.adobe.com/video/PzmQ4IDvCc0eL

 

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Dava
correction

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

Excellent video, those coupling rods are mesmerising!

 

Mike.