Hello all During my teens and into my twenties I was involved with a local preservation group. The group were at that time based in an industrial site affectionately known as the Arches in Southall. We were building up a collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Including three locomotives from Barry. When I moved away from London obviously I was no longer involved with the group, when I returned the group had moved out from the Arches and were in part of Southall shed and I no longer volunteered.. However the group continued on until last year when I discovered that they had disbanded with the collection being dispersed. Looking at some photographs on line I discovered this photograph of an 0-4-0 Diesel shunter. This locomotive was built by AEC for use at their factory in Southall. It had the same engine that was found in many an AEC road vehicle and is a very light engine. I have had the pleasure of driving this engine on many occasions back then. The controls for the locomotive were a series of levers and a foot pedal for the accelerator. It could be driven from either side of the cab. I was wondering if any of you know where the engine is now, as I would like very much to see her again.
I have put out some feelers on f/b preserved shunter groups, just need to wait and see what turns up. Hope it is still appreciated as much as it appears in your photo, and I'd like to find out for my own interest as these locos are just as important as main line expresses in my opinion.
Apparently she is now in the ownership of a chap called James Bunch, it has its own Facebook page:- AEC Locomotive No. 1. Pete.
Thanks very much for your help Pete, I greatly appreciate that. It is starting to sound like I need to open a fbook account with this and the HD group on there.
I know facebook isn't to everyones taste but if used as a tool for information or education it is very useful. The sites that are for railway modelling are generally ok but you sometimes get the occasional rivet counter or my way is the only and best way PITA. Admins usually weed them out if they get a bit abusive. Pete.
Pete http://www.aecsouthall.co.uk/shunter/00_shunter.htm Think this is your engine - not sure how up to date this page is. Dave
Thanks for the link Dave, the date on the last post is 2001. The facebook page is much more up to date with loads of photos of the resto. Cheer's, Pete.