0-6-0DE Ruston 165 'PWM' Profile and Models
97651 at Radyr Depot in July 1982. ©Phil Richards
The Ruston & Hornsby 165 locomotive, also known as the "PWM (Permanent Way Machine)" or BR Class 97/6, was a class of purpose-built shunters designed for use on departmental duties. They were outwardly similar to their Class 04 contemporaries but were mechanically very different. The class were originally outshopped in BR green, which was superseded by BR blue and then by Civil Engineers' yellow. They were employed at various locations including Reading West, Gloucester, Cardiff Canton, Radyr and Plymouth Laira. A special feature of this class is that the electric traction motor can be disengaged from the wheels. This allows the locomotive to be hauled by another locomotive at speeds above 20 mph. The class were largely made redundant upon the privatisation of British Rail, however some soldiered on into EWS ownership and one example worked with an Edinburgh based infrastructure company until 2005. Ruston did produce similar 165 locomotives for industrial purposes, of a slightly different design to the data listed below. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Electric |
Builder |
Ruston & Hornsby |
Build Dates |
1953 & 1959 |
Total Built |
5 |
Tractive Effort |
17,000 lbf |
Power Output |
165 hp |
Top Speed |
20 mph |
Wheel Configuration |
0-6-0DE |
Operated By |
British Railways EWS Industrial Operators |
Main Duties |
Shunting |
In Service Until |
2005 |
Surviving Examples |
3 |