WAR DEPARTMENT/MINISTRY OF DEFENCE LOCOMOTIVES
I have included here pictures that I have of war-built or requisitioned locomotives whilst in War Department use. Engines later sold for use by the railway companies and bearing their numbers are included in those galleries. These pictures are published for pleasure/information/research purposes only and are not for sale or copy under any circumstances. Information in captions has been researched as thoroughly as possible but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Read More53 / 98
71483 - AUSTERITY 0-6-0ST - built 1945 by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns Co.,Works No.7292 - no other details known.
Chosen by the War Department as it's standard shunting locomotive, The first Austerity 0-6-0ST was built in 1943 to a standard Hunslet Engine Co. design. Eventually, 485 engines were built by 6 different manufacturers and production did not end until 1964. After the War, examples remained all over Europe, 90 being retained for military use, 75 going to the LNER as Class J94, at least 36 ended up in Holland, many of the remainder going into industrial use, the newly formed NCB being a major customer. Around 70 are preserved in Britain with others in Europe.