Hudswell Clarke D1171 ‘Western Pride’

‘Western Pride’ was a former Port of Bristol Authority loco, and from the 1970s to 1987, it took loaded coal wagons from Ashton Meadows to Wapping Wharf sidings and the Coal Depot (Western Fuels) there, and returned empty wagons to the sidings.
As loaded coal wagons left overnight had a tendency to get vandalised, there was a secure storage compound at the coal depot, where the loco and wagons were stored overnight.
Western Fuels ex PBA 0-6-0 D1171 standing at Wapping Wharf, 17:7:79
Western Fuels ex PBA 0-6-0 D1171 standing at Wapping Wharf, July 1979 (Courtesy Kevin Redwood)

D.1171 made her last trip along the BHR in May 1987, on an overnight move to the coal depot at Filton. She has since been sold into preservation, and after a period in store outside at MOD Long Marston (As seen in this picture by Cliff Jones Photography), restoration has begun, as seen here (March 2013):
D1171 Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0DM  - Long Marston 23.03.13
Image is property of Mike Cottam and appears here as a direct link to his flickr page

Portbury Overhaul Update 6

In order to rearrange the two saddle tanks, and to get ‘Henbury’ over the inspection pit, it was necessary to do some shunting using the Ruston diesel shunter, not often seen on the line.
The Ruston itself was in the ‘Barn’, behind the line’s self-propelled crane.

The crane shunts the coal wagon back out of the way.

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With a growl and a puff of smoke, the Ruston creeps out of the barn, collects the two vans (Which double up as a good way of preventing people falling into the pit), and deposits them back outside the shed before heading down to M Shed.

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Dragging the two steam locos out, Portbury deposited in the siding while Henbury heads to the pit.

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Henbury is pushed back into the shed first….

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and Portbury basks in the sun

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This week, she’s been treated to warming fires to test the boiler for any leaks. Sunday saw her courting attention on the quayside.

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