Jinx Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Some while ago questions were asked in these blogs about the shredded wheat shunter. Well we are just completing a total restoration of the original 1933 Fowler that was at Welwyn garden city site until 1974. It was sold on to various sites as a static display and finally ended up in private ownership in Norfolk. It was almost unrecoverable due to its standing in the open for 45 years or more. However nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. The loco came to us in November 2018 and has had a total nut and bolt restoration. We are just waiting for the final components of the rare McClaren diesel engine to be manufactured and then it will be completed as it was in 1956. When outshopped it had a Fowler sidevalve petrol engine but was re-engined by Fowler to diesel in 1956. The loco will be used on the mid Suffolk Light Railway hopefully from June onwards. The o gauge model (Ixion I think) is virtually an exact copy of this loco. If anyone out there wants more information, I have its complete history, drawings and a works photo from 1933 taken at Fowlers prior to delivery, plus information on liveries. Nabisco changed the livery after they took over in the 1950s, I also have a black and white of this as well. Kind regards Jinx 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon A Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 A few pictures would be appreciated. Gordon A 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Gordon I will try to work out how to transfer pictures, but I am a bit new to this technology. Jinx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Is it the same type as this one? If so I'm very interested as I like those types of early diesels. http://173.254.28.51/~highlev3/chris/Pages/fowlerpage.html It looks like it could be. But I'm not so sure. https://www.flickr.com/photos/91977133@N04/14523780689 Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
south_tyne Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Jinx, That's fascinating stuff. It would be great to see some photos of the loco when in use at the Shredded Wheat site. Do you know if there are any in circulation? What liveries was it painted in when working at the SW complex? It's great to hear that the loco has been restored and will be in use on the MSLR. It's one of my favourite preserved railways, having so much atmosphere and charm. Cheers, David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 Psst. Look in the post above. That's at Nabisco. But that is all I could find having a brief search. Jason 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Michael Edge Posted February 28, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 28, 2019 Yes, it's an 80hp, should be buildable from the High Level kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 (edited) All The picture of the loco on Jason's post is the one we have of the loco at Nabisco in 1960. By then it had been modded to the diesel. The engine originally was petrol and rated 40 Hp. The McLaren diesel is also rated 40 Hp. This loco was one of the very first possibly the second or third made of this design. The photo of the brass model shows a much later version with the high gearbox cover at the front and the windows have now been made sloping. The high gearbox cover was because the later models used a 80Hp engine that demanded a much bigger gearbox. The Shredded Wheat loco (number 20337) has a foot operated clutch whereas later models used a hand lever. The original livery was mid green superstructure (slightly lighter than GWR green with twin lining in straw the outer line twice the width of the inner. The shredded wheat co ltd on the cab sides was a little odd as the Co and Ltd were shown as Co and Ld with the small letter raised with a dot under the small letter. However when Nabisco took over it was repainted in a slightly different green, less glossy with red single lining and the shredded wheat CO LTD now conventional, (still in straw) however it was then later re named NABISCO FOODS in red on the cab sides. These changes were found during the restoration as they never seem to have removed the old paint just painted over. The loco was famous for derailing and there was a crew of chaps at the factory responsible for putting it back on. In fact we suspect that Fowler's may have been aware that it might be easily derailed as there is a sliding Jack in a proper stowage in the cab which was supplied with the loco. Also the brake blocks had been replaced sometime in the 1950s but bizarrely they were too wide and this resulted in the left hand coupling rod colliding with the block which severely bent the coupling rod. I have a photo of the loco still in use in the 50s with the rod still bent and it was like that when we received it. New correct blocks and a straightened rod now fitted. Jinx Edited February 28, 2019 by Jinx Spelling 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted February 28, 2019 Share Posted February 28, 2019 The McLaren should be quite easy to get parts for as they made quite a lot for different locomotive builders in the Hunslet area. Plus many of the engines are a Benz design made under licence in Leeds. I can just imagine the guys from Hunslet, Hudswell Clarke and Forwlers taking the short walk to McLarens to ask for delivery of an engine. Or was it the other way round? Knowing the proximity the business might have happened over a pint in a local pub. Our Hunslet 1697 of 1932 has a 6 cylinder Mclaren M6, 132hp prime mover 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted February 28, 2019 Author Share Posted February 28, 2019 AMJ The McClaren In this loco is a two cylinder, which was totally siezed in every respect. The cylinders and pistons were destroyed getting it apart, although they were badly frost damaged anyway. Luckily we had access to a five cylinder McClaren which used two two cylinder blocks and a single. This engine was a runner so we have used one block and pistons from it, plus the cylinder heads. The crank of course was different, and this has been reground, with the big ends and main bearings being white metalled and currently the crankcase is away being line bored. Reassembly as soon as the crankcase comes back. Still on target for running in June. Jinx 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
south_tyne Posted March 1, 2019 Share Posted March 1, 2019 21 hours ago, Steamport Southport said: Psst. Look in the post above. That's at Nabisco. But that is all I could find having a brief search. Jason Apologies Jason, couldn't see the wood for the trees there. Sorry to ask such a daft question... 16 hours ago, Jinx said: All The picture of the loco on Jason's post is the one we have of the loco at Nabisco in 1960. By then it had been modded to the diesel. The engine originally was petrol and rated 40 Hp. The McLaren diesel is also rated 40 Hp. This loco was one of the very first possibly the second or third made of this design. The photo of the brass model shows a much later version with the high gearbox cover at the front and the windows have now been made sloping. The high gearbox cover was because the later models used a 80Hp engine that demanded a much bigger gearbox. The Shredded Wheat loco (number 20337) has a foot operated clutch whereas later models used a hand lever. The original livery was mid green superstructure (slightly lighter than GWR green with twin lining in straw the outer line twice the width of the inner. The shredded wheat co ltd on the cab sides was a little odd as the Co and Ltd were shown as Co and Ld with the small letter raised with a dot under the small letter. However when Nabisco took over it was repainted in a slightly different green, less glossy with red single lining and the shredded wheat CO LTD now conventional, (still in straw) however it was then later re named NABISCO FOODS in red on the cab sides. These changes were found during the restoration as they never seem to have removed the old paint just painted over. The loco was famous for derailing and there was a crew of chaps at the factory responsible for putting it back on. In fact we suspect that Fowler's may have been aware that it might be easily derailed as there is a sliding Jack in a proper stowage in the cab which was supplied with the loco. Also the brake blocks had been replaced sometime in the 1950s but bizarrely they were too wide and this resulted in the left hand coupling rod colliding with the block which severely bent the coupling rod. I have a photo of the loco still in use in the 50s with the rod still bent and it was like that when we received it. New correct blocks and a straightened rod now fitted. Jinx Thanks for that comprehensive information Jinx - it's fascinating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted April 30, 2019 Author Share Posted April 30, 2019 All Latest update, on the shredded wheat shunter, finished, all except the sign writing (tomorrow) and 1 buffer awaiting new spring. Have added vacuum brake system for coaches, but otherwise as near as possible to its condition in 1934 when outshopped from Fowler, apart from the McClaren engine which was fitted in 1954. Runs sweetly. Due to be moved to the mid Suffolk Light Railway after the late may bank holiday. Jinx 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFOOKS Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Dear All, How fantastic that the Nabisco loco has been restored! The Wheat Quarter is looking to celebrate the history of the Shredded Wheat site as part of the WGC Centenary in 2020. It would be fascinating to have some further information on the loco's history, drawings, a copy of the works photo from 1933 and any other photographs you can provide. Please let me know how best to contact you. JFOOKS 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted May 20, 2019 Author Share Posted May 20, 2019 JFOOKS Try neal@nealdavis.co.uk Jinx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted May 31, 2019 Author Share Posted May 31, 2019 All The shredded wheat loco now completely finished, photos available at www.mslr.org.uk Jinx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbo675 Posted June 1, 2019 Share Posted June 1, 2019 Hi Folks, Martyn of Signaller 69 has bashed one of these, or something very similar, from a Dapol Pug. Gibbo. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Signaller69 Posted June 1, 2019 Share Posted June 1, 2019 10 hours ago, Gibbo675 said: Hi Folks, Martyn of Signaller 69 has bashed one of these, or something very similar, from a Dapol Pug. Gibbo. Thanks Gibbo. Couple of photos of my 4mm version (Dapol Pug chassis with plasticard body). Name and works plates still need fitting (commissioned from Narrow Planet). And the Prototype at the Derwent Valley Light Railway near York. Congratulations to those who have restored the Shredded Wheat loco. Martyn. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osgood Posted June 2, 2019 Share Posted June 2, 2019 (edited) https://www.mslr.org.uk/news/ Somewhat improved from 2004! : Edited June 2, 2019 by Osgood 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted June 2, 2019 Author Share Posted June 2, 2019 Osgood Many thanks for posting the photos of the loco at Fleggborough, I was really hoping for some as we do not have any from that time. Really good ones as well, and you are right it does look a little better now, plus it runs perfectly now too. Jinx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osgood Posted July 1, 2019 Share Posted July 1, 2019 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
602Squadron Posted July 14, 2019 Share Posted July 14, 2019 Many thanks for posting the pictures, Jinx. I used to pass the Shredded Wheat sidings when walking over Hunters Bridge every morning to catch the bus to school from the bus station, and occasionally see the Fowler standing outside it's shed for a day or two at a time, although I never saw it moving or even obviously "in steam". Really good to see that it's survived, and beautifully restored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx Posted July 16, 2019 Author Share Posted July 16, 2019 Iovely photos, of the shredded wheat "at work" on the Middy diesel day, but watch this space, we are working on the possibility of getting the loco to the old factory for the 2020 centenary, I for one would love to see it run on it's old rails, and transport is easy, anyone who may have contacts with the Welwyn crowd might be able to help to organise this. Contacts via the MSLR. JINX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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