Bo-Bo Hunslet 1124hp Shunter Profile and Models
No.72 at Scunthorpe Steelworks. Date unknown. ©KR Models
In the 1960s, British Steel planned the multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Scunthorpe Steelworks site. Part of the project was a fleet of new locomotives to take molten iron in “torpedo” wagons to the Basic Oxygen Steelmaking plant. The Hunslet Engine Co started construction of 10 locomotives in 1972 and completed them by the end of 1973, numbered 70-79, one more joined the fleet, numbered 80 in 1977. Built with two Rolls DV8 engines, these locomotives became the iron hauliers of Scunthorpe. In 1990 they were re-engined with two Perkins CV12s and fitted with remote control operation as part of the project to continuously improve the site. In more recent years, two locomotives (No.77 and 78) have been scrapped. Number 79 was later rebuilt as number 30 and fitted with a new style control system in the 2000s and named “Fusion”. Most recently a new overhaul project began in 2015 with 72 and 73 the first to receive this treatment to ensure the fleet's use in years to come. (Information provided via KR Models) |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel |
Builder |
Hunslet Engine Co |
Build Dates |
1972 to 1977 |
Total Built |
10 |
Tractive Effort |
Unknown |
Power Output |
1,124 hp |
Top Speed |
Unknown |
Wheel Configuration |
Bo-Bo |
Operated By |
British Steel |
Main Duties |
Molten Iron Transport |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
8 |