Kerr Stuart built 4415, one of the earliest purpose-built diesel locomotives in the world, in 1928 for trials on the Welsh Highland Railway. The locomotive was fitted with a McLaren-Benz diesel engine with mechanical transmission and chain drive. The locomotive was tested on a number of narrow gauge lines in Wales and Northern Ireland before heading to a sugar plantation in Mauritius in 1934.
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| Manufacturer's photo [1] |
| Information |
| Number built: |
1 |
| Built: |
1928 |
| Builder: |
Kerr Stuart |
| Motor: |
McLaren-Benz 4-cylinder diesel |
| Power: |
60 hp (45 kW) |
| Wheel arrangementr: |
6wDM |
The locomotive was fitted with a more powerful McLaren MR4 engine in 1945 and remained in service until 1962, though in latter years mainly as a reserve locomotive. The locomotive was preserved and plinthed in 1971. In 1997 it was repatriated to the UK and work is ongoing to restore it to working order at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, the railways 4415 was first used on in 1928.
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| Cutaway diagram showing the chain drive [1] |
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| View of the chain drive [1] |
[1] "Locomotives of the future", Meccano Magazine (January 1929) p. 32
