Loco's

Alan B

Alan B is a much -rebuilt four-wheeled, diesel mechanical, two-speed Simplex locomotive of 1937, which had a long working life at Wormley and latterly the Hambledon Brick Works of the Ibstock Company. Initially carrying the name 'Ace', while in service at the EHLR Mill Rythe, on transfer to the seafront it was renamed after the EHLR founder member Alan Bensley, who sadly died from Motor Neurone Disease shortly after the opening of the new line.

The name 'Ace' was initially chosen as being only three letters in length, the nameplate would be easy to make. Bob's plan was that having named his brand new loco number 3 'Jack' after his father, the other members of the fleet would become 'Ace', 'Queen' and 'King' playing card fashion. However, this idea soon fell by the wayside, and nowadays the general rule for rolling stock is to give engines boy's names and carriages those of girls, in the syle of a certain railway story book.

The humble industrial shunter's moment of glory came during the construction of the Hayling Seaside Railway, when the gallant little workhorse hauled all of the line's construction trains single-handed. It is hoped that following its recent overhaul at Beachlands Works, during which the aforementioned 'Ace' nameplate was given pride of place inside the engines reconditioned cab.

NB
Alan B is now undergoing a major overhaul at Beachlands workshop, where the enhusiastic team of volunteers are working on him to get him up and running ready for future passenger service!

Jack

Built in 1988 by Alan Keef Engineering of Ross-on-Wye, 'Jack' is very much the pride of the fleet. Very much the Classic Victorian Steam loco at first glance, complete with a polished brass dome, pistons and shapely chimney. Many Visitorsare surprised to find that within his firebox 
and water tubes there is a humble diesel engine similar to that found in a Ford Transit!

A driver's favourite because of the smoothness of its hydraulic transmission, 'Jack' is also very popular with the many children who flock to travel behind him every summer.

Alistair

Description: Two cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine. 
Type 2VTO. 
Weight: 2.5 tons.
Length: 86.5 inches
Width: 39 inches
Completed 06/05/1940
Works No: 201970
Engine No: 200090

History:
Lancashire Steel Corporation, Irlam Steel Works, Lamcashire. Offered for sale 08/06/1949, bought by Bierrum & Partners, Smallford Plant Depot, Hertfordshire. Donated to Festiniog Railway, arrived 27/02/1968. Bought by Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, May 1991. Restored and fitted with gearbox ex. 193984. Bought by Steve Carpenter 01/05/1995 to Mill Rythe, Hayling Island. Bought by Vic Pullen, April 2002 to Beachlands, Hayling Island.

Alistair is now in service

Edwin

The Hayling Seaside Railway's latest acquisition, a Ruston 'LB' 4 wheel diesel hydraulic locomotive which was built in 1967. Edwin arrived at Beachlands onFriday 7th January 2005, after being transported from the Bodmin Depot of its former owners, The South Western Tunnelling and Mining Company, by long time friends of the railway Rapid Response Haulage.

Innitial thoughts as to a name for the machine, were for it to be called 'Robert' after its owner as 'Robert the Ruston' did have something of a ring to it! Nevertheless, at the request of Bob's daughters, Annabel and Joanna, it would be named 'Edwin' after their brother.

Edwin is now in full passenger service, running the additional trains and occasionally giving 'Jack' a break. It is also very popular with goods trains.