Locomotives
Home fleet
No.1 Alan B
Alan B is a much rebuilt four wheeled, diesel mechanical, two-speed Simplex locomotive of 1937, which had a long working life at Wormley and latterly the Hambledon Brick Works of the Ibstock Company. Initially carrying the name 'Ace', while in service at the EHLR Mill Rythe, on transfer to the seafront it was renamed after the EHLR founder member Alan Bensley, who sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease shortly after the opening of the new line.
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The name 'Ace' was initially chosen as being only three letters in length, the nameplate would be easy to make. Bob's plan was that having named his brand new loco number 3 'Jack' after his father, the other members of the fleet would become 'Ace', 'Queen' and 'King' playing card fashion. However, this idea soon fell by the wayside, and nowadays the general rule for rolling stock is to give engines boy's names and carriages those of girls, in the style of a certain railway story book.
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The humble industrial shunter's moment of glory came during the construction of the Hayling Seaside Railway, when the gallant little workhorse hauled all of the line's construction trains single-handed. Since then, the little engine has undergone a complete overhaul and looks very different to when it first arrived at the EHLR! Today Alan B helps out mainly with track works trains but can still be seen from the shed viewing area.
No 3. Jack
Built in 1988 by Alan Keef Engineering of Ross-on-Wye, 'Jack' is very much the pride of the fleet. Very much the Classic Victorian Steam loco at first glance, complete with a polished brass dome, pistons and shapely chimney. Many visitors are surprised to find that within his firebox and water tubes there is a humble diesel engine similar to that found in a Ford Transit!
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A driver's favourite because of the smoothness of its hydraulic transmission, 'Jack' is also very popular with the many children who flock to travel behind him every summer.
No. 5 Edwin
The Hayling Seaside Railway's latest acquisition, a Ruston 'LB' 4 wheel diesel hydraulic locomotive which was built in 1967. Edwin arrived at Beachlands on Friday 7th January 2005, after being transported from the Bodmin Depot of its former owners, The South Western Tunnelling and Mining Company, by long time friends of the railway Rapid Response Haulage.
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Initial thoughts as to a name for the machine, were for it to be called 'Robert' after its owner as 'Robert the Ruston' did have something of a ring to it! Nevertheless, at the request of Bob's daughters, Annabel and Joanna, it would be named 'Edwin' after their brother.
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Edwin was recently purchased from the railway by a member of the EHLR and has recently undergone an engine swap. Number 5 is now our strongest engine and a favourite amongst many drivers.
Previous locomotives
No. 4 Alistair
Description: Two cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine.
Type 2VTO.
Weight: 2.5 tons.
Length: 86.5 inches
Width: 39 inches
Completed 06/05/1940
Works No: 201970
Engine No: 200090
History:
Lancashire Steel Corporation, Irlam Steel Works, Lamcashire. Offered for sale 08/06/1949, bought by Bierrum & Partners, Smallford Plant Depot, Hertfordshire. Donated to Festiniog Railway, arrived 27/02/1968. Bought by Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, May 1991. Restored and fitted with gearbox ex. 193984. Bought by Steve Carpenter 01/05/1995 to Mill Rythe, Hayling Island. Bought by Vic Pullen, April 2002 to Beachlands, Hayling Island.
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Alistair was recently purchased by a member of the EHLR and now resides at the Statfold Barn Railway.
