Ex BR 08 133 and 08 216 at Sheerness Steelworks.
The steelworks at Sheerness started production in 1972 using an ultra high powered electric arc furnace feeding a continuous casting machine and bar rolling mill. The works was financed by LASCO (Lake Ontario Steel Co.) but traded in the UK as the Sheerness Iron & Steel Co. It was to see several more owners before the site closed in December 2012.
When the site was in full production in the 1980's the company had obtained two class 08's from British Rail secondhand to replace four older Yorkshire and Sentinel built industrial locomotives. 08 133 seen here on the left was numbered 'No.1' and came from storage at Swindon Works on 6/10/1981 its last BR depot having been Lincoln where it was withdrawn as surplus on 21/9/80. The second locomotive on the right was 08 216 this too came from storage at Swindon Works on 22/4/1983 having been withdrawn from Derby Etches Park Depot on 2/11/80. Its SI&SC number being 'No.2'. Both locomotives were modified and fitted with substantially thicker buffer plates and put in many years service in industrial use before being sidelined by hired in traction after the company became Co-Steel Sherness Plc in 1992. Hired shunters then generally came from RFS Industries Ltd. Both 08's survived into preservation with the South Yorkshire RPS, 08 133 moving to them in August 1995 and 08 216 following the next year in April 1996.
Ex BR 08 133 and 08 216 at Sheerness Steelworks.
The steelworks at Sheerness started production in 1972 using an ultra high powered electric arc furnace feeding a continuous casting machine and bar rolling mill. The works was financed by LASCO (Lake Ontario Steel Co.) but traded in the UK as the Sheerness Iron & Steel Co. It was to see several more owners before the site closed in December 2012.
When the site was in full production in the 1980's the company had obtained two class 08's from British Rail secondhand to replace four older Yorkshire and Sentinel built industrial locomotives. 08 133 seen here on the left was numbered 'No.1' and came from storage at Swindon Works on 6/10/1981 its last BR depot having been Lincoln where it was withdrawn as surplus on 21/9/80. The second locomotive on the right was 08 216 this too came from storage at Swindon Works on 22/4/1983 having been withdrawn from Derby Etches Park Depot on 2/11/80. Its SI&SC number being 'No.2'. Both locomotives were modified and fitted with substantially thicker buffer plates and put in many years service in industrial use before being sidelined by hired in traction after the company became Co-Steel Sherness Plc in 1992. Hired shunters then generally came from RFS Industries Ltd. Both 08's survived into preservation with the South Yorkshire RPS, 08 133 moving to them in August 1995 and 08 216 following the next year in April 1996.