GEC Stephenson locomotive

GEC Stephenson

GEC Stephenson locomotives and Torpedo wagon at Corus Lackenby (Redcar), 2010

Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder GEC Traction / Vulcan Foundry Build date 1976-1980[1] Total produced ~30

Specifications Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in) Loco weight 36 to 100 t[2] BSC : 75 ton NCB : 75 or 50 ton[3] Transmission Diesel-electric[2]

Performance figures Power output engine: 425 to 1,500 horsepower (317 to 1,119 kW)[2] BSC : 750 hp[note 1] NCB : 500 hp[3]

The GEC Stephenson locomotives are a type of heavy industrial shunter built in the 1970s by GEC Traction. The locomotives were used for heavy shunting tasks in UK industrial sites for clients including British Steel and the National Coal Board.^[2]

History and design

The locomotives were available in 3 or 4 axle versions in the same frame, with a range of masses and engine powers, each axle was powered and the locomotives could be operated in multiple from a single cab.^[2]

Most of the locomotives produced were 3 axle versions of two types - a 50-ton loco (16.5 ton axleload) with a 500 hp V8 cylinder Dorman 8QT engine, and a 75-ton (25 ton axleload) machine with a 12-cylinder engine rated at 750 hp. The NCB acquired both locomotive types.^[3]

British Steel acquired the heavier 75 ton model; twenty five 750 hp^{[note 1]} locomotives were acquired by BSC Redcar primarily for hauling torpedo wagons.^[4]

An ex-Barrington Cement Works ex-ICI locomotive named Ludwig Mond was acquired in 2010 by the Rutland Railway Museum.^{[3][note 2]}

As of 2012 locomotives of this type are still in service with Tata Steel Europe in the UK. In January 2012 the steel works in Lackenby imported ten 1500 kW ex-NSB Di8 Bo'Bo' locomotives for the torpedo wagon trains - this will result in several of the GEC locomotives being scrapped though some are expected to be retained for track renewal and shunting work.^[5]

Notes

1. The British Steel vehicles are described as having either 650 hp,^[4] or 750 hp rated engines.^[3]
2. The loco is thought to be the last standard gauge locomotive built at Vulcan Foundry.^[3]

References

1. Sources:
   • Mick Morgan (ed.), Search Form: 1. Wheel Arrangement = "6wDE", 2.Builder = "GECT", existing locos, UKlocos, retrieved 15 January 2012
   • Mick Morgan (ed.), Search Form: 1. Wheel Arrangement = "6wDE", 2.Builder = "GECT", scrapped locos, UKlocos, retrieved 15 January 2012
2. "The right tool for the job", Steel Times (GEC Traction (advert)), September 1976
3. "News", www.rutlandrailwaymuseum.org.uk (Rutland Railway Museum), 17 August 2010, LOCOMOTIVE TRACTION NEWS, retrieved 15 January 2012, The Museum received a 'new' locomotive on Tuesday 17th August 2010. GEC “Stephenson” 0–6-0 Diesel Electric locomotive, Works No. 5578, built in 1980 is believed the last standard gauge locomotive built at the world famous Vulcan Foundry at Newton the Willows
4. "The rolling stock that gathered steel", Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, 18 September 2010
5. "Cargonet locos settle into new environment in Redcar" (PDF), Railway Herald (297), 9 January 2012: 6

External links

Images

• John Morgan (28 September 1996), "252 stands outside the loco shed along with 266 (GECT.5463) and 251 (GECT.5414)", www.railphotoarchive.org (BSC LACKENBY), Redcar steel, blue livery
• John Morgan (28 September 1996), "263 in the scrap line outside the loco shed along with 275 (GECT.5473), 274 (GECT.5472).", www.railphotoarchive.org (BSC LACKENBY), Redcar steel, yellow livery
• "BI92044 NCB Coventry", www.flickr.com, 17 February 1992, NCB blue livery