PMW651 is one of a class of 5 built in two batches in 1952 and 1958. The original locomotive PMW650 was built to BR Western Region specification for track-relaying and engineering duties. The official order for PWM650 was placed on November 14th 1951 to Swindon lot Nº 405 and R :& H works order 510343 with works Nº 312990. The locomotive was built at Boultham Works, Lincoln starting February 1952.
As BR Western Region began replacing all the 60ft jointed track to CWR an order for 4 more locomotives was placed with R & H on August 6th 1958 to Swindon lot 444. The specification included larger driving wheels, vacuum brakes, modified coupling rods, air horns, windscreen wipers and engine cold start facilities. The four locomotives were numbered PWM651 to PWM654. They were given R & H works Nº 431758 - 431761.
PWM651 departed from Lincoln on July 3rd 1959 bound for Swindon works from where it was engaged on commissioning trials. It was soon to be found at its home for the next 25 years at Radyr CCE Depot.
Under TOPS the class became 97650 - 97654. Official records show PWM651 was renumbered on September 29th 1979.
Between 1984 & 1990 the locomotive was found in and around Gloucester before returning to South Wales by 1991/2. The locomotive remained active in Radyr CCE depot until transfer to Cardiff Canton where it was used as shed pilot.
In 1977 PWM651 was repainted from Bruwnswick Green into a lighter shade of green with a white roof and standard BR double arrow symbol. Following a classified overhaul in 1981, it was again repainted into the now familiar engineer's yellow livery with red double arrow symbols. It never received BR blue livery.
By October 1998 PWM650, PWM651 and PWM654 were in private hands. PWM650 was presented to the City of Lincoln and PWM654 is at work in Scotland. PWM652 was cut up in Laira in October 1990 whilst PWM653 is a kit of parts in Reading Depot having provided spares for PWM654.
PWM651 is jointly owned by Ian McDonald, Dick Morris and Nick Wilkes and is resident on the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
PWM651 (97651) shunting Pitsford & Brampton Station January 2000.
| Builder | Ruston & Hornsby |
|---|---|
| Built | 1958 |
| Lot Nº | 444 |
| Works Nº | 431758 |
| Weight | 30 tons |
| Length | 24' 8½" |
| Height | 11' 0" |
| Width | 8' 6" |
| Route Availability | 1 |
| Wheel Diameter | 3' 4" |
| Engine Type | Ruston 6VPLH |
| Main Generator | BTH RTB6034 |
| Traction Motor | BTH RTA5041H |
| Tractive Effort | 17,000 lb. |
| Maximum Speed | 20 mph |
| Made Redundant | October 1998 |
| Current Home | NLR |
| Arrived NLR | November 1998 |
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Last Amended: 14-Feb-2006
Copyright © Northampton & Lamport Railway 1996-2006
