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The history and fate of the locomotives that worked at the Small Heath scrapyard of Charles Strong, 1966-86.

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Brush-Bagnall 0-6-0DE

This huge locomotive, built in 1955 at the works of W.G. Bagnall of Stafford, should have been cut up on site at the colliery where it had worked in South Wales, but a mix-up in paperwork saw it arrive one day as part of the trip freight from Small Heath yard. It had travelled as part of several British Rail good services with its rods off and its appearance was a complete surprise to the staff at Watery Lane. It was the most powerful locomotive to have worked at Strong's and was fitted with a 4
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Yorkshire Engine Company 220HP Diesel-Hydraulic

This locomotive was formerly owned by the Central Electricity Generating Board and worked at a small power station in Yorkshire.  Strong purchased it, along with much of the scrap when the power station closed in 1975. It was used for several years in the yard, before moving to another company within the Shelby Group. Its ultimate fate is unknown.  
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Ruston & Hornsby LSSE 0-6-0DE

This 275HP diesel-electric arrived at the yard in 1977. It had originally been ordered by the MOD but as its electric transmission made it non-standard with their similar hydraulic locomotives it was put into store until being sold as surplus. It worked at the yard for a short period before being sent out as part of the Shelby hire fleet. Its fate remains unknown.
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Small Heath No.2

This Andrew Barclay 16-inch 0-4-0ST arrived under its own steam in May 1974, from Small Heath power station, where it had been displaced by diesels. It worked for a few weeks before being sold for preservation. It now resides in the private collection of pig-farming magnate Sir John Taylor.  
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Brush-Beyer Peacock 200HP 0-4-0DE

This 0-4-0DE was built in 1958 and was supplied to a steel rolling mill at Bromford Bridge. Upon closure of the works, in 1976, it was acquired by Strong's and brought by lorry to the yard, where it was inspected and passed fit to run. It wasn't a popular locomotive with the crews as the fly cranks kept hitting scrap that was lying near the tracks. The generator suffered a flashover a few months after arriving and after a couple of weeks lying idle it was despatched.
Ruston

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