D2148 is a member of the ubiquitous Class 03 and was built at Swindon works in 1960 for British Railways
The locomotive weighs 30 tons and is powered by an 8 cylinder Gardner 8L3 engine developing 204 bhp at 1,200rpm, giving a maximum tractive effort of 15,650lb in first gear. The transmission is mechanical with a Vulcan-Sinclair type 23 fluid coupling and a Wilson-Drewry type CA5 five speed epicyclic gearbox with type RF11 spiral bevel reverse and final drive unit. The driving wheel diameter is 3′ 7″ and the maximum speed is 27 mph.
D2148 was withdrawn by BR in November 1972 and passed into National Coal Board ownership. It the became surplus to requirements whilst working for the Opencast Executive at Bowers Row Disposal point at Astley, West Yorkshire. Whilst working here it was extensively damaged in a collision and was rebuilt using the cab from 03 149. It arrived in Southport in March 1987.
D2148 saw some work at Southport, but concerns over the displayed oil pressure led to only light use. The locomotive was extensively cosmetically restored, including a thorough cab refurbishment. It was moved to Riversway as a static exhibit, arriving on 17th April 1999, as the motion and running gear had been removed. The loco changed hands and work to re-assemble her has been completed. The loco temporarily re-entered service at the beginning of 2004.
The power unit has been replaced, however due to concerns with metal contamination within the oil, the locomotive is currently stopped & awaiting investigations.
The locomotive is viewable in our Museum
