LMS diesel shunters 7059-7068 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LMS 7059–7068 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Armstrong Whitworth |
| Serial number | D54–D63 |
| Build date | 1936 |
| Total production | 10 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 3 in (1.295 m) |
| Wheelbase | 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m) |
| Length | 31 ft 4.5 in (9.56 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 52 long tons (52.8 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 630 imp gal (2,900 L; 760 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Armstrong-Sulzer 6LTD22 6-cyl |
| Transmission | Crompton Parkinson |
| Power output | 350 hp (261 kW) at 875 rpm |
| Train heating | None |
| Locomotive brakes | Air |
| Train brakes | None |
| Withdrawn | 1966 - 1968 |
| Disposition | Scrapped |
The LMS diesel shunters 7059–7068 were a group of ten special trains. They were built in 1936 by a company called Armstrong Whitworth. These trains were known as shunters. A shunter is a type of locomotive that moves railway cars around in a railway yard or marshalling yard. They help put trains together or move them to different tracks.
These shunters used a diesel engine and an electric motor to move. This is why they are called "diesel-electric." They had six wheels, all connected to help them pull heavy loads. Each shunter had a powerful Armstrong-Sulzer engine. This engine produced 350 horsepower. They also had a special electric motor from Crompton Parkinson. This motor helped turn the wheels. The shunters could reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour. They were designed to be strong and reliable for moving things around.
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Shunters in World War II
All ten of these shunters played a big role during World War II. The War Department took them over in 1940 and 1941. This was to help with the war effort. Some of these shunters stayed in the United Kingdom. Others were sent far away to help in different countries. They went to places like France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Egypt.
The shunters sent to Egypt were given new numbers. They were called MEF19 to MEF22. MEF stood for Middle East Forces. Later, in 1944, all the shunters got new War Department numbers. This showed they were now part of the military's railway system.
Individual Journeys of the Shunters
Each of these ten shunters had its own unique journey during and after the war. Because they were sent to so many different places, their stories are quite interesting.
Shunters in Europe
- LMS 7059: This shunter served in France and Belgium. It was given the War Department number 70213. People sometimes called it "Old Joe." After the war, the Belgian railway company (SNCB) bought it. It was retired in 1958.
- LMS 7061: This shunter also worked in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Its War Department number was 70214. It had the unofficial name "Pluto." The Belgian railway company bought it too. It was retired in 1965.
- LMS 7064: This shunter traveled to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Its War Department number was 70217. It was nicknamed "Ubique." This is a Latin word meaning "everywhere." It was a motto for the Corps of Royal Engineers. The Belgian railway company also bought this one. It was retired in 1961.
- LMS 7067: This shunter worked in France and Belgium. Its War Department number was 70218. It was also bought by the Belgian railway company. It was retired in 1966.
Shunters in Egypt
- LMS 7060: This shunter served in Egypt. It was numbered MEF19 and then 70019. It was taken out of service in 1945. It was then "canalised" at Suez. This means it was likely sunk or dumped in the Suez Canal. It might still be there today, though it would be very rusty!
- LMS 7065: This shunter also served in Egypt. It was numbered MEF20 and then 70020. Around 1954, the Egyptian State Railways took it into their own fleet. Its final fate is not known.
- LMS 7066: This shunter was in Egypt. It was numbered MEF21 and then 70021. It was taken out of service in 1945 and scrapped a few years later.
- LMS 7068: This shunter also served in Egypt. It was numbered MEF22 and then 70022. The Egyptian State Railways also took this one into their fleet. Its final fate is also unknown.
Shunters Remaining in the UK
- LMS 7062: This shunter stayed in the United Kingdom. Its War Department number was 70215. It was unofficially called "Flying Scotsman." In 1952, it was re-numbered 882. By 1958, it was transferred to the British Army of the Rhine in Germany. It was sold in 1959, and its final fate is unknown.
- LMS 7063: This shunter also stayed in the UK. Its War Department number was 70216. It was re-numbered 883 in 1952. It was used at military railways like Cairnryan and Bicester Depot. It was sold in 1963. Later, it was used at a power station in 1966 before being scrapped.
Most of these shunters were eventually scrapped between 1966 and 1968. They had served for many years, especially during the challenging times of World War II.
See also
