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Updated: 30-03-08

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The Preservation Society owns two locomotives: a 2-8-2 steam locomotive River Mite and a Bo-Bo diesel locomotive Douglas Ferreira.

River Mite

Builder: Clarksons, York, 1960s

Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-2

Length: 22’6”

Width: 3’3”

Driving Wheel Diameter: 18.25”

Cylinders: 8.25”x6”

Boiler Pressure: 180lbs./sq.in.

Grate Area: 4.1 sq ft.

Left: River Mite next to the locomotive sheds at Ravenglass.

Constructed by Clarksons of York in the 1960s after the Preservation Society raised funds for its build. Clarksons extended the old 0-8-0 Poultney steam tender chassis, formerly on River Esk, with a new boiler and cylinders similar to the design of that locomotive. Details like boiler fittings, running boards, cab and Cartazzi rear truck give the loco its own visual identity, enhanced by the 
old Furness Railway livery of Indian Red lined in black and vermilion. The loco made history by being delivered across the Pennines by steam traction engine. River Mite was commissioned on 21 May 1967 and has, since then, been on permanent hire to the Railway Company. A new boiler was fitted in 2002 and a major overhaul of the chassis was undertaken by TMA Engineering during winter 
2006/7. Named after the River Mite, that flows from Burnmoor Tarn, down Miterdale and out to sea at Ravenglass.

Douglas Ferreira

Builder: TMA Engineering, Birmingham , 2005

Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-4-0

Twin Cab design

Engine: Perkins 4 cylinder, 4.4 litre Turbocharged, developing 125BHP

Transmission: Hydraulic (using Linde 
components)

Livery: Furness Railway Red

Left: Douglas Ferreira in the carriage sidings at Ravenglass. Photo Ian Birch.

This loco was built by T.M.A. Engineering in Birmingham and was delivered in July 2005. It has a twin cab body on a bogie chassis, with worm boxes on each axle all coupled by shafts, as developed via the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway diesel from the Lady Wakefield design. The Perkins 4 cylinder turbocharged engine is more compact yet more powerful than used hitherto, and meets current and known future emissions regulations. The Linde hydraulic transmission allows the engine 
to be centrally located and the mechanical components isolated behind a bulkhead protected from road dirt. Direction is selected electronically and throttle/transmission speed is controlled by a single lever. The braking system has a common loco/train brake with a separate air-off/spring-on parking brake. After commissioning in September 2005, the loco has been in almost continuous daily use on passenger service, combining ease of operation with ease of servicing and low maintenance. Named after Douglas Ferreira, the General Manager of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Company from 1960 to 2002.

Open Passenger Coach No. 287

Builder: Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, 2002

Type: Open Passenger Coach

Bogie Type: Compensated

Length: 23’7”

Width: 3’9”

Wheel Diameter: 12”

Seats: 20

Brakes: Air