Motor Rail 4wDM built 1923, rebuilt
1934, number 2262 "Helen"
Above:
Motor Rail four wheel diesel "Helen" stands on display at Caverswall Road
yard in 2004
A
four wheeled diesel mechanical locomotive built by the Motor Rail and Tramcar
Co Ltd at Elstow Road Works in Bedford. This firm was well known for producing
simple and rugged transverse-engine narrow gauge locomotives for use behind
the lines in World War One, and they later applied similar technology to
a range of small standard gauge motive power. Delivered new in 1923 to
the Cornforth Limestone Co in County Durham, "Helen" was rebuilt in 1934,
her original White & Poppe petrol engine being replaced by a 4 cylinder
Dorman diesel unit (later re-engined again with one of the same type).
Lower dumb buffers were fitted at some stage. "Helen" was sold to the Dunlop
Rim and Wheel Co of Coventry in 1949 and worked there until the mid 1960s.
After purchase by the Foxfield Railway Society "Helen" moved to the Railway in 1968. She is a fine example of an early small industrial petrol/diesel locomotive. She also makes an interesting comparison to another maker's approach to the design of early industrial locos using internal combustion engines: Kerr Stuart 6wDM "Rom River". Currently restored in mustard yellow livery, "Helen" is not currently operational and requires some replating, mechanical attention and a repaint. She is usually on display in the yard at Caverswall Road station.
After purchase by the Foxfield Railway Society "Helen" moved to the Railway in 1968. She is a fine example of an early small industrial petrol/diesel locomotive. She also makes an interesting comparison to another maker's approach to the design of early industrial locos using internal combustion engines: Kerr Stuart 6wDM "Rom River". Currently restored in mustard yellow livery, "Helen" is not currently operational and requires some replating, mechanical attention and a repaint. She is usually on display in the yard at Caverswall Road station.