Builder: Cowans & Sheldon of Carlisle

Number : LNER No. 8741 / DRC 80115

Built: 1945/46 for LNER

Operating Capacity: 15 ton  

The 15 ton Steam Crane built in 1945/1946 by Cowan & Sheldon of Carlisle was one of a pair built/ordered by LNER. The other being DRC 80116 currently based at the Embasy & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, these were built by LNER as breakdown cranes but found their working lives as a useful tool by BR on engineering duties, right up untill they were withdrawn from service in December 1988. These were the last civil engineers steam cranes in BR stock at the time of their withdrawal, and after a few years were later sold in 1991/92.

Both Cranes found itself being sold to the Embasy & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, with DRC 80116 (LNER. No. 8742) finding work imediately on the line, however DRC 80115  was not serviceable and was sold onto Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, where it currently resides. Little restoration has taken place over the years, however the former owner has been acquiring parts of which will be useful towards the restoration of the crane.

We realise as a group that this is totally opposite to what the group stands for, however this doesn’t deter or put off the members of the group who see the crane as a vital tool towards reaching its aims. We see the crane as an useful tool, not only to help with restoration of future acquistions but as a learning tool for younger generations which is set out in our aims.

 The Crane will under go restoration after an intial inspection of the boiler can be undertaken to access the level of work needed. There is no definate time scale for the completion of the restoration as this will be carried out entirely by members and volunteers of the group.

For More information on the crane or to offer a spare pair of hands in restoration, then please Contact our Chairman Adam Pugh, chairman@bdlpg.co.uk