17/05/2026
Motor Rail 7522 of 1948 is one of the manufacturer's 8/12HP class. Only a handful were built, and only two survive (as far as we know). They were an unconventional design, intended to compete with Lister in the market for lightweight locos. It was originally restored at the Cheadle school railway, and ran there for a number of years. After the school railway closed, the loco moved elsewhere. Unfortunately, during that period, the loco suffered a serious engine failure, causing catastrophic damage to the single-cylinder Ailsa Craig engine with which it was fitted. More recent times have seen the loco "return to the fold" at Apedale, and a replacement engine sourced. The replacement engine was configured for a marine application, including driving a specific gearbox. This meant that a considerable amount of work is needed, including a crankshaft transplant, to make the replacement engine suitable for MR7522. That work is continuing at the moment. Will the loco make an appearance at Motor Rail Mania - June 27 & 28? Only time will tell.
