We are the Gunpowder Railway and we have a totally unique industrial locomotive that we would love your help to restore.

This is Greenwood and Batley 4wDE no. 6099 known as BB307 made in 1964, 3foot gauge and was used exclusively at Safety in Mines Research Station (Harpur Hill) Buxton. This locomotive is completely unique. Greenwood and Batley between 1897 and 1980 only ever made battery electric locomotives. They made 1367 of them. However, they were commissioned to make one Diesel Electric locomotive - and this is it.

BB307 is powered by a Ruston 6YDA 84hp diesel engine which is then used to generate electricity and compressed air to power the vehicle and its associated train. This locomotive did not operate on its own, it was part of a 2 vehicle train used specifically for research into the risk and impact of underground explosions within a mine!

We aim to restore this unique locomotive and place it proudly on display in our Railway Works but lack sufficient funds to do so - please help us any small donation can help to buy paint, repair rusty steel, provide new bolts etc.

Read all about the Gunpowder Railway at gunpowderrailway com