Dübs Crane Engine No. 4101 is an 0-4-0T crane locomotive nicknamed "Dubsy". It was built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1901 for the Shelton Iron and Steel Works, Stoke on Trent. A "crane tank" is a type of steam locomotive upon which a steam-powered crane is mounted, producing a machine which is capable of performing as both a shunter and as a mobile crane.
The engine weighs 34 tons and has 14inch diameter by 22inch stroke outside cylinders, single slide bars and Laird type crossheads. A slewing engine powers the jib through 360 degrees, whilst situated within the construction of the jib, a reciprocating engine gives a lifting capacity of five tons. The boiler does not have a dome due to the restricted clearances, the regulator valve being mounted on the front tubeplate.
Operational history[]
"Dubsy" worked at Shelton as an extremely useful workhorse around the steelworks complex, dealing with heavy lifting jobs and with rerailing locomotives or wagons which had come off the track. It was fitted with a new boiler by Kerr Stuart in 1921 and was then converted from coal to burning oil in 1961. It was eventually taken out of everyday service in 1968 to be replaced by diesel cranes.
Preservation[]
In 1970 it was purchased for preservation and placed in storage. It was taken out of storage in 1973 when it was transported to the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore to become the shed pilot and to assist with heavy lifting jobs.
A hydraulic boiler test was carried out in the summer of 1977 and the oil buring equipment was removed. The locomotive returned to service in September 1977 in its original condition as a coal-burner.
After almost nine years continuous service, including invaluable use during the building of the Mendip Vale extension, the locomotive was withdrawn from service in June 1986 pending heavy boiler repairs.
In 1999, the locomotive was sold to private owners at the Foxfield Railway in Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire, England. "Dubsy" returned to steam in July 2010, during the Foxfield Light Railway's steam gala and has been operational there since then.
Trivia[]
- This class of crane engine is the basis for Harvey from the Thomas and Friends television series.