Industrial diesel locomotive loaned to Wensleydale Railway

Rob Williamson, Mechanical Engineering Manager at Wensleydale Railway PLC, inspects the locomotive at the Hope Valley Cement Works site.

Wensleydale Railway has received an industrial diesel locomotive on permanent loan from Hope Cement Works in Derbyshire.

Owned by Breedon Group, Hope Cement Works opened in 1929 and is the largest cement manufacturing operation in the UK and a major contributor to the local economy of the Peak District National Park.

The Sentinel diesel locomotive was built in 1964 and is fitted with a Rolls Royce eight-cylinder engine.

It was used to move cement wagons from the Hope Cement Works down the private branch line to ‘Earles Sidings’ on the Network Rail mainline before onward transportation.

It carried the name ‘Derwent’ during its service.

John Mulryan, maintenance manager at Hope Cement Works, said: “We are delighted and thankful that the Wensleydale Railway have agreed to support the preservation of this locomotive, which is part of our industrial heritage, we look forward to seeing Derwent being returned to its former glory at its new home.”

Terry Larder, a member of the general management group at Wensleydale Railway PLC, said: “We’re very grateful to the team at Hope Cement Works for the permanent loan of their locomotive.

“We’re planning an Industrial Diesel Weekend in August and look forward to showcasing the loco at this event.”

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*