Yellow Rose
|
Yellow Rose
|
  |
The
Yellow Rose is a 4-wheel petrol motored narrow gauge locomotive, erected at the
F.C.Hibberd works of Planet Locomotives located at London, NW 10 to an order of
M.L. Whiteman for Whitemans Brickworks, Midland, Western Australia. Builders
Number 2055 was the third Planet to arrive in WA, (The first two went to Wiluna
Gold mines). Whitemans
Brick closed for the duration of the war and it was not until 1949 that another,
slightly different model was ordered from Planet. After
a rugged life in the claypit both locos were worn out by the 1960’s and were
replaced by two home built Ridley locomotives. The
Yellow Rose was fitted with a vanguard engine at the same time to serve as a
spare. The
Whitemans clay pit ceased operating in the late 1970’s and all tramway stock
was abandoned in the pit at that time. It
was at this time that the Western Australian Light Railway Preservation
Association negotiated the donation of the Yellow Rose and Ridley No. 2 for
operation on their railway at Whiteman Park.
Both locos were the first to arrive on site at the Whiteman Park depot on 11th March 1983 and were rebuilt. The name “Yellow Rose” was found written on the inside of the cab in marker pen and thus the name stuck. Yellow Rose recommenced operation on the Bennett Brook Railway on the 31st May 1985 . The
Yellow Rose was the works loco involved in building the loop, which was the
reason for the rebuild. It was stretched 8 inches, to fit a larger motor.
The
Yellow Rose ran for 10 years without incident. Then it was involved in a mid
week works train collision with the tamping machine. The loco was placed in the
grass for 10 years before it was again overhauled. Yellow Rose Overhaul In 2003, two young members of the WALRPA undertook to rebuild the Yellow Rose, long out of operation and in desperate need of major work. They were cousins, Michael and Andrew Watson.
Work commenced in mid 2003; - and is still ongoing Work
carried out involved ; - *The
original loco brakes were repaired and new brake shoes installed. *The
original front buffer was broken so a replacement was found and installed. *New
motor and gearbox. *Painting
frame black and buffer beams red.
*Re
upholstered seat courtesy of Andrew and Ken. *New
radiator from Derek (loco manager). *Caterpillar
Headlights and horn. *Cab straightened, Primed, Painted and installed. *Flashing ditch lights (both ends) drove Andrew bonkers wiring it up. *Obligatory
Yellow paint for the body.
The
first of many FOTTE days for the Yellow Rose was on the 21st May 2006. It
was also involved in the B.B.R’s 21st birthday celebrations. Powerplant:
4cyl Morris 1500cc Driveline:
4 speed manual with reversible final drive + chain drive to axles. Top
speed: Almost as fast as the
Maylands.
|
|
Bennett Brook Railway Webmaster N. Blinco
|
