No.3 "2nd Air Division USAAF"

No3 "2nd Air Division USAAF"


History
Designed and constructed for the Bure Valley Railway in 1988 by John Edwards of Great Yarmouth.

It was originally tested at the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch railway during early 1989, before being delivered to assist with the construction of the Bure Valley railway in May 1989.

The locomotive is a diesel hydraulic with a single cab which is styled on the BR Hymec class.

The locomotive was originally named "Buxton Mill"

After completing a major refit in the autumn of 1998, the locomotive was named '2nd Air Division USAAF' on Saturday November 7th 1998 by the President of the 2nd Air Division USAAF Association, Earl Wassom, in the presence of members of the Executive Committee of the Association.

It was named as a tribute to the Division who flew B24 Liberators from 14 airfields in our area during World War II during which over 6,700 young Americans died in the defence of the freedom that we all enjoy today.

No. 3 works hard during the season on passenger duties, as well as permanent way trains, route learning courses and general work. At Christmas the locomotive is often used to haul Santa's Sleigh into Aylsham.

This locomotive is owned by Bure Valley Railway.

Technical details
Gauge: 15 inches
Length: 22 foot, 6 inches
Width: 4 foot
Working Weight: 4 tons
Wheel Arrangement: Bo-Bo
Driving Wheel Diameter: 14 inches
Transmission: Hydraulic
Engine: Bedford 330, 6 cylinder, 105 BHP
Livery: The loco is painted 'Golden Ochre'