65/85 H.P.

This 10-Ton loco, w/n 5511 was shown in the 1932 catalogue as 65/85 H.P. but was listed in the order books as 60 H.P. It was quite an advanced design when compared with the company’s other locos of the period and was the only one of its type built. It suffered from problems with the transmission and apparently spent most of its time upside down on the shop floor. Despite being featured in the company’s 1932 catalogue and used in an advertisement on the cover of the “Locomotive, Railway Carriage & Wagon Review” of September 1932, the loco never sold and was scrapped at the works.

It had (for Motor Rail) a unique wheel arrangement with six wheels. The transmission was a 4-speed constant mesh gearbox, connected to a worm and wheel gearbox on the centre axle by a cardan shaft. The drive was transmitted from the centre axle to the front and rear axles by roller chains. It was a diesel type, equipped with Dorman’s 4RBL engine that was started by a petrol donkey engine. At least one customer (Colonial Sugar refining Co. Ltd.) was also offered this locomotive in petrol and paraffin powered form using a 4-cylinder petrol engine of 6762-cc capacity.

Braking was by means of the usual screw operated type, working on the four outer wheels and a foot operated transmission brake.

Number Series (built c1930)

5511.