"Dubsy"

Loco crane operating at Shelton - built by Dubs & Co

Built in 1901 at the Glasgow Locomotive works in Polmadie to the order of the Shelton Iron &
Steel Works Ltd given works number 4101, the engine has an interesting history. Built as a true crane tank, that is to say a normal steam locomotive with crane jib and auxiliary engines, the design repays close inspection. 

The 34 ton engine has 14" diameter by 22" stroke outside cylinders, single slide bars and Laird type crossheads. A slewing engine powers the jib through 360 degrees, whilst situated within the construction of the jib, a reciprocating engine gives a lifting capacity of five tons.

The boiler does not have a dome due to the restricted clearances, the regulator valve being mounted on the front tubeplate. Used as a workhorse around the steelworks complex dealing with heavy
lifting, shunting and re-railing operations for no less than 72 years the engine was amongst the last of its type in industrial use. 

Receiving a new boiler from Kerr Stuart's in 1921 and conversion to oil firing in 1961 the engine left Shelton for the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore in September 1973. She was not the last steam locomotive in normal service at Shelton however, this honour being held by Bagnall 2623/1940 'HAWARDEN' in the spring of 1972.

At Cranmore "Dubsey" (for she was always caused this at Shelton) was converted back to coal firing, returned to steam and used to relay much of the railway to Merryfield. Purchased by a consortium of Foxfield members in 1998 and moved to Foxfield on the 18th of October the same year. 

Last  steamed in 1985 the engine is now stripped down and undergoing extensive overhaul hopefully for a return to steam in 2001 to celebrate her centenary the engine will become the worlds only operational crane tank.

For the record 4101 is a very rare beast, being only one of three preserved Dubs & Co locomotives in the UK and the only industrial survivor. In 1903 with Neilson Reid and Sharp Stewart the three firms amalgamated and the works became the "Queens Park Works" of the North British Locomotive Co.

242915 'Hercules' 

Affectionately known to the members as 'Hercules' this diminutive little diesel type 48DS was built by Ruston & Hornsby of Lincoln in 1946, works no242915, for 2ft gauge track. 

The engine was supplied new to the Shelton Iron and Steel Co Ltd for use in the 18" rolling mill until made redundant in the mid 1950's. At an unknown date since then 'Hercules' was converted to Standard gauge (by Sheltonworks) using a home built underframe that the existing narrow gauge loco could sit in. It was then used by the permanent way department at Shelton to haul materials around the vast steelworks complex. 

When iron and steel making finished in June 1978 'Hercules' again became redundant and was purchased privately and moved to Foxfield in 1981, in the company of 'Coronation'. Since then it has hauled small works trains, and always causes interest when seen in action.

'CORONATION' Built by the North British Locomotive Co Ltd, Glasgow

Built in 1953,works No 27097, 'Coronation' was delivered new to Shelton Iron and Steel works Co Ltd, at Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, where the engine spent its working life. 

'Coronation' had the distinction of being the first standard gauge diesel to work at Shelton, performing much the same duties as 'Hawarden' (see previous page). Upon the cessation of iron and steel making 'Coronation' was withdrawn from service and purchased privately, moving to Foxfield in 1981. 

This locomotive was one of the first diesel Hydraulics built, is the oldest surviving, and is believed to be unique in having a Paxman 6RPHX engine and a Voith L24V hydraulic transmission incorporating a two speed torque converter.

(info provided by: Andrew Mcleish. 

see: http://www.Foxfieldrailway.co.uk