No.21 Diesel-Electric
Fleet No. & Name:
Manufacturer:
Year Manufactured:
Overall Width:
Livery:
Works Number:
Last Operated In Traffic:
Current Status
No.21 (Currently Unnamed)
Motive Power Solutions, Inc.
2013
7’ 6”
British Racing Green
M.P.-550/B.1
October 2019
Pending Attention
Above: Diesel-Electric No.21 with its twin cabs and green livery
(Photo: I.o.M.S.R.S.A.)
Diesel-electric No.21 was proposed as a replacement for No.17 Viking and after initial requests for government funding for a new build were rejected on cost grounds, the resultant hybrid was decided upon, from the North Carolina manufacturers Motive Power Solutions Inc. The unit is the first locomotive to join the fleet since No.18 Ailsa and arrived on the railway in December 2013 where is made an appearance during the Santa Train weekends. The underframe, bodywork, engine, generator and controls were provided new while the bogies were modified from a former General Electric industrial locomotive. It is the first locomotive on the railway to feature a cab at both ends, the initial plan for a steeple cab being rejected The first tests exposed overheating issues and after these were rectified the unit carried out several passenger duties but was still beset with teething issues. It entered semi-regular service in August 2019 being based out of Port Erin while No.8 Fenella was receiving attention in the workshops, but this work was short lived as further mechanical issues were discovered, this being the most recent revenue-earning service for the locomotive. Technical issues currently being investigated are centered around slipped tyres, software problems, oil leaks, transmission issues, all of which are in the process of being rectified.
In storage during September 2021 in the running shed at Douglas Station prior to the wheelsets being removed to be sent to off-island contractors for attention.
In October 2019 the locomotive failed while in servie and was stowed on the former goods siding at Castletown Station, being passed by M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia with an up service.
July 2013 during the Manx Heritage Transport Festival with a mixed train at Port Erin Station as crowds gather to watch the double-headed departure with No.4 Loch behind.
April 2014 and No.21 arriving at Castletown Station passing the Association-built slotted post signal at Pumphouse Curve with a northbound train, substituting for a steam locomotive.
September 2019 saw No.21 in traffic as south-based motive power for a spell, seen here arriving at Port St. Mary Station with the first train of the day, the 10.00am service.
July 2013 during the Manx Heritage Transport Festival with a mixed train at Castletown Station using Association-built wagon M.78, F.18 and F.49 for shuttle trains to Port Erin and back.
July 2013 during the Manx Heritage Transport Festival with a mixed train at Santon Station, runner F.57 transporting Peel P.50 cars as part of a special photographic train.
In service during October 2019 with the 11.05am arrival at Douglas Station; the unit saw a period of use as south-based motive power at this time, failing shortly afterwards.
In October 2019 the locomotive failed while in servie and was stowed on the former goods siding at Castletown Station, with M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia shunting in the yard.
No.21 at the Manx Heritage Transport Festival action with an unusual train between Ballagawne and Four Roads heading south with a load of P.50 cars on runner F.57.