Hibberd 4-wheel DM Locomotive No.1 �Phoenix�

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Locomotive Details:-

This diesel mechanical locomotive was one of a batch of a �1939 type� built by F. C. Hibberd & Co, Park Royal, London. This batch of locomotives were constructed between 1941 and 1946, with works numbers from 2513 to 2572. The works number of this locomotive is possibly either 2523 or 2532. It was originally fitted with a 20 h.p. National, 2-cylinder diesel engine, driving a constant mesh, 2 speed gear-box, with final chain drive, giving maximum speeds of 3.5 and 8 mph, with a tractive effort of 13,751 lbs.

History and Preservation:-

The early history of this locomotive is unknown. It was acquired by Norwest Construction, Netherton, Lancashire, (Plant No. DL461), who re-engined it in 1963 with a 40 h.p. Ford 4D 4-cylinder diesel engine. It was sold in 1975 to the Rossendale Forest Railway Society, Lancashire. Following the failure of this scheme, it was bought in 1979 by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society and transported to Alston. Here it was completely rebuilt, including a full mechanical overhaul, widening of the footplate, fabrication of a new cab and bodywork, and the fitting of air brakes. It hauled the first South Tynedale Railway passenger train on 30th July 1983 and was the mainstay of the service to Gilderdale until the end of the 1988 season. It has since been sold to a member of the Knotend Light Railway and was transported from Alston and was transported to the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum, near Keswick, Cumbria on 16th March 2002.

Photo above: Hibberd 4-wheel diesel mechanical locomotive No. 1 �Phoenix� at Gilderdale Station with a passenger train in 1987. Photograph by Paul Rylance.

Photo below: Hibberd diesel locomotive �Phoenix� loaded onto a lorry, about to leave Alston on Saturday 16th March 2002. Photograph by Daniel McIntyre.

Hibberd diesel locomotive �Phoenix� leaves Alston:-

Hibberd Planet 4 wheel diesel mechanical locomotive No. 1 �Phoenix� was loaded onto a lorry and left the railway on Saturday 16th March 2002 after its sale to a member of the Knotend Light Railway.

This locomotive was used on the railway during the first years of passenger train services between 1983 and 1990, although it had been out of service awaiting an overall of its 40 horse power Ford Tractor engine, it was underpowered and could manage only the haulage of three passenger carriages at a time. With two other Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 100 horse power diesel locomotives now available, No. 4 �Naworth� and No. 15 �Old Hairy� available for passenger service and a Hunslet 0-4-0 No. 9 which can be used in emergency in service, these have made the Hibberd locomotive redundant and surplus to requirements, as the other diesel locomotives are more capable of carrying fully loaded five coach trains.

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Dimensions and livery:-

Original dimensions:-
Weight = 2.75 tons. Length = 8 ft 6� in. (2,610 mm). Width = 3 ft 10 in. (1,168 mm). Height to bonnet = 5 ft 3� in. (1,613 mm).
Wheel diameter = 1 ft 5� in. (451 mm). Wheelbase = 2 ft 8 in. (813 mm).

Rebuilt dimensions:-
Weight = 4 tons.� Length = 12 ft 0 in. (3,658 mm). Width = 4 ft 9 in. (1,448 mm). Height to top of cab = 8 ft 5 in. (2,565 mm).
Wheel diameter = 1 ft 5 in. (432 mm). Wheelbase = 3 ft 1 in. (940 mm).

Livery:-
Blue bodywork, black frames, red wheels and buffer beams.

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For more information about the South Tynedale Railway, please contact:-
SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.
Tel. 01434 381696.��� Talking timetable tel. 01434 382828.
Registered Charity No. 514939.

E-mail enquiries - please click on links below:
South Tynedale Railway information - Send e-mail to South Tynedale Railway
STRPS membership information only - Send e-mail to Kathy Aveyard
Tynedalesman information only - Send e-mail to Liesel Metz

This page was last updated on 9th October 2002.
� South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society 2002.

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