United Steel Companies and Diesel Locomotive Development
The business was bought by the United Steel Companies Limited (USC) on 29 June 1945. It would appear that the reasons for this purchase were twofold. Firstly USC needed replacement locomotives so it made sense to buy a manufacturer (at the right price) and secondly the idea had been put forward on developing a central engineering workshop for their steelworks at Templeborough (Rotherham) and Stocksbridge. Both works were being expanded and redeveloped, and were easily accessible by rail from the YEC works. In the post war climate, the YEC management were willing to sell.
Following the purchase, work began on building steam locomotives for the internal rail systems at several steelworks as well as ironstone mines around Britain. YEC continued to build locomotives for other customers, just as they had before the takeover.
The design for a modern 0-6-0ST locomotive was bought from Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns and locomotives of this type were built for various steel works, primarily as replacements for locomotives worn out during World War II. This design was undoubtedly chosen because a number were already in use at Appleby-Frodingham works, Scunthorpe and given various type names (these include "Type 1", "16inch" and "Group 17"). A small number of locomotives were built for ironstone mines to a War Department ‘Austerity’ design. It is believed that the use of this design was connected with the sub-contract of other locomotive construction from Hunslet Engine Company.
In 1950 a diesel-electric locomotive was designed and built specifically for use in melting shop of Templeborough steelworks. The duty had special requirements for a locomotive to fit through small opening and around tight curves while being powerful enough to haul heavy ‘Casting Cars’. The weight of the locomotive had to be quite high to give better grip. The first locomotive (Works number 2480) left the works at the end of 1950 with a second (No. 2481) leaving in early 1951.
No.2480 was displayed and demonstrated before final delivery while No.2481 was delivered direct from the works (a journey of about 1 mile). Both locomotives survived to be preserved in the late 1980s.
No other locomotives were built to this design.
Read more about this topic: Yorkshire Engine Company
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