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D.2203
The ex-BR class 04 is currently the rescue locomotive for the railway, and is in full working order, although when the
Class 14 is returned to service it will be due for an overhaul. When built in 1952 by Vulcan
/ Drewry, the intended use was as a shunting locomotive for BR on the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway, which it fulfilled. It is
now the last surviving loco to have worked on the tramway. It was Drewry No. 2400, and Vulcan Foundry No. 145, as well as
being BR 11103, and later D.2203 which is the identity it currently supports, devoid of sideplates and cowcatchers.
The 0-6-0 DM was sold into industrial service to Hemel Concrete Company, before
coming to the railway. It has a 204hp Gardener engine which required some
attention initially, but has since been very useful for the railway. Seen here,
on the right of the left hand photograph (!), with other locos a few years ago
in the sidings at Embsay. The second photo shows it with a Shark brakevan on
the Stoneacre extension, back in 1991.
As an interesting point, during its life it was fitted with sideplates and
cowcatchers to work the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway - becoming the last
locomotive to do so. This loco was almost certainly the basis for 'Mavis'
from the Thomas series, and some thoughts are being given to returning it to
that form when its overhaul takes place! One lasting trace of its tramway
guise is that the rear steps are still plated over to prevent feet getting
through to the rods. This can just about be seen in the right hand photo at
the top of the page, although it isn't clear.
Despite grave concerns as to its ability to act as a rescue loco, the 04 was pressed into service during the 2003
Harvest of Steam to haul the Stately Trains' 6-wheelers - a role it
performed faultlessly, and looked the part. Since then it has been fully repainted, had considerable attention paid to the
bodywork and had the gearbox mounting bolts replaced.
It is currently operational, serving as a shunter in the top yard and within station limits as part of its running-in.
(c) Robert Milner / Charles Boylan / William Lister.
More photos of D.2203 at Embsay
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The door and window surrounds saw some attention, requiring removing and new sections welding in. At the same time the doors
were off, these too were rebuilt as required. Currently work centres on the gearbox mounts. The bolts have sheared off, so
need to be drilled out and replacements fitted.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Undergoing work in the new shed at Embsay, this view is a close up of one of the rod bearings. Looking at the rod itself,
"2203" can be made out, stamped into the metal. As the loco's number was 11103 originally, it would appear that this is a
replacement rod?? The wheel has been steamcleaned in preparation for repainting.
(c) Rob Milner.
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The 04's final drive is visible in this picture.
(c) Rob Milner.
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Viewed from on top of the hill near Draughton, the 04 makes good progress heading towards Stoneacre loop with the 6-wheelers
in tow from Bolton Abbey.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Heading towards Bolton Abbey station, downhill, the 04 looks 'at home' with the vintage carriages. If it gets restored to its
Wisbech and Upwell Tramway appearance, this would be even more fitting...
(c) Tim Warner.
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Seen in a very similar location, this time heading back towards Embsay, just out of Hambleton Cutting, once more with the 6-wheelers.
(c) Tim Warner.
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