LMS 7400 (7050)

The LMS was an early pioneer of diesel traction and built a number of experimental diesel shunters in the early 1930s. Number 7050 (originally allocated the number 7400) was the smallest of these. It was built by Drewry (establishing what would become the very familiar look of their shunters) at the EE Dick Kerr works in Preston [1].

Information
Number built:	1
Built:	1934
Builder:	Drewry Car / EE Dick Kerr
Engine:	W H Allan 8RS18 (Later) Gardner 6L3
Power:	160 hp (120 kW) (Allan) 153 hp (114 kW) (Gardner)
Wheel arrangement:	0-4-0

Although a small shunter, 7050 had an impressive performance and was able to haul up to 400 tons. It was sold to the War Department in World War 2 and remained in MoD service until being preserved in 1979 [2]. It is during its military service that the original Allan engine was replaced by a Gardner one. It is now part of the national collection at York.

LMS 7050 at the National Railway Museum, York

At the time 7050 was in the NRM Great Hall

Front view of 7050, note the taper on the bonnet

[1] Brian Haresnape, Diesel Shunters (Ian Allan, 1984) p. 6
[2] Colin J. Marsden (ed.), "The LMS Designs", Modern Locomotives Illustrated No 217 February-March 2016 (SR, GW, LNER, LMS & Trial Shunters & Class 03) p. 4