Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

M.D.H.B. No. 36

(C) Stephen Walker

(C) Charles Adams Like the ex-BR 04 (D.2203), No. 36 has a 204hp Gardener engine, and was built by Hudswell Clarke as D1307 in 1958. It is thought to have very similar wheels etc. to No. 140, built by the same company.

Before coming to the railway it worked at British Steel Orb Steelworks, Newport, Gwent, and prior to that for the Mersey Docks and Harbours Board. As a result, the livery it currently carries (which is being repainted as the loco enters the final stages of its overhaul) is the MDHB green with yellow lettering. If anyone knows where an MDHB crest can be found for transfers for the locomotive, please contact the railway, as it would be nice to finish it off properly when it is repainted.

(C) Rob Milner This loco is the one used by the P-Way department for most activities leading up to the completion of Bolton Abbey (unless a steam engine was available for the task), and has done the job required very well, especially the extension to Bolton Abbey. It was withdrawn for attention to the engine which was very smokey when running, and a thorough engine rebuild was anticipated.

To this end the engine was compeltely stripped down and examined, which resulted in very little replacement of parts being required - just a very thorough cleaning up of the bores (and everything else!!). Whilst the loco was in pieces, the opportunity was taken to get the tyres turned as they had previously been to a tramway profile. Axleboxes were attended to with substantial repairs being carried out and new brasses in some instances.

The loco's wheels were refitted some time ago, and more recently the rods were replaced. The engine components were cleaned up, rebuilt and reassembled so that during February the engine was fired up for the first time following rebuilding. Photos and a video clip will be posted here shortly. All being well, the loco will be completed by the end of the year (2008), if not some time well before that!

Photos of work being carried out

Components from No.36's engine. (c) Tim Warner Components from No.36's engine. (c) Tim Warner No.36's engine has been stripped down in the shed ready for the new components to be fitted. The liners have been removed, and the engine block itself split down into its original sections. A lot of parts from the loco have been cleaned and painted, ready for reassembly, so the project should really pick up pace now.
(c) Tim Warner.
No.36's engine and re-rodded chassis. (c) Tim Warner No.36's engine is being reassembled by Danny and Les who have taken on the project. The main cylinder blocks have been put back, and liners and pistons inserted, with only final tightening up to be completed before the heads are fitted. The rods have been replaced following attention (including straightening) with the assistance of Chris who is determined to get additional mentions here for his efforts!!
(c) Tim Warner.
No.36's engine nearly completed. (c) Tim Warner The engine showing the standard of the finish achieved which really sets this apart from other locos!
(c) Tim Warner.
No.36's engine nearly completed. (c) Tim Warner
Final preparations and battery charging ready to start up. (c) Tim Warner The moment of truth came, after several false starts, and the clip below (although rather large) shows the results so far. Subsequently the injectors have seen attention which has cleaned it up a lot!
(c) Tim Warner.
Starting up. (c) Tim Warner

Top Locomotives

Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust (Holdings) Limited
Registered Charity No. 1116386
Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF
General Enquiries: 01756 710614 - Talking Timetables & Fax: 01756 795189
enquiries AT embsayboltonabbeyrailway DOT org.uk webmaster AT embsayboltonabbeyrailway DOT org.uk
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