Drewry DIESEL SHUNTER WD37
At the Derwent Valley Light Railway, an extensive restoration and overhaul of our former War Department Drewry diesel shunter was carried out.
The old badly corroded cab was transported away to DG Sheet Metal Services at Leeds, as a template for a new one to be fabricated.The shunter is on long term loan at the DVLR at Murton, where further work has included overhauling its Gardner engine, replacing its radiators and de-rusting/repainting. Later photos show the newly fabricated cab before its transport to Murton, followed by application of primer and reinstallation of fittings after fixing onto the loco. Since that, there was lots of work on bonnet, gearbox, air system, etc. up to its first run in 23 years, followed by final coats of gloss paint and numbering being applied. Vacuum brake equipment was sourced for fitting to the loco to enable passenger train operation. Photos: Tony Simons and David Rice.
The long awaited return to working order, dedication and naming of the Group’s Drewry diesel mechanical shunter took place at Murton Park on July 24th 2024,.
DC 2164 was built in 1941 as War Department no. 37 and served in Egypt and Palestine until 1947. Some of its sisters came ashore in Normandy following D Day on June 6, 1944. Following its return to the UK it worked at various industrial sites ending up at BP Saltend. In 1984 the locomotive was donated to the York Area Group and worked on Permanent Way duties on the NYMR.
Following mechanical failure in around 1995, the locomotive was laid aside and allowed to deteriorate, including water ingress in to one of the cylinders. The YAG took the decision to repatriate DC 2164 and find a home where she could be cared for, restored to working order and her historical significance recognised. This was accomplished in July 2021 when the locomotive was transported to Murton.
Following three years work including returning the Gardner engine to working order and solving many other complex problems, the DVLR have completed a superb restoration.
The event on July 24 was attended by over 100 invited guests including the Lord Mayor of York and Civic Party, members of the Armed Services and the remaining member of York Normandy Veteran Ken Cooke aged 98.
Father Adam Romanis of the Parish Church of St Lawrence Dedicated and blessed the locomotive and then invited Ken Cooke and Gloria Smith the Widow of York Normandy Veteran Ken Smith to unveil the nameplate.
Gloria had no inkling whatsoever as to the name and when she saw her husband’s name, she was understandably overwhelmed. The Last Post and Reveille were played by Bugler David Ventress followed by readings by RAF Veteran Bryan Airlie and Ken Cooke.
The naming and restoration of this locomotive provides a fitting memorial to Ken Smith and all those who served in the Middle East and is probably the most significant and poignant achievement by the York Area Group coupled with the wonderful restoration by volunteers at the DVLR.
It was a very special day that will be long remembered with pride by all who attended.
Nick Beilby.
Photos: Philip Benham
On Saturday 5th July 2025, York Area Group's Drewry DC 2164 No. WD37 'Ken Smith' now with working vacuum connections did its first trial with coaches up the line on the DVLR. Thanks to all the DVLR volunteers for making this a locomotive to be proud of. Photos: David Rice
