Clearwell Caves - Old Trains

28th June 2009

A short break in the Forest of Dean (Glos, UK) in June 2009. Whilst taking a walk we found the Clearwell Caves Museum which is near Coleford. The Clearwell Caves were originally an old iron ore mine which closed in 1945 and has more recently re-opened as a tourist attraction.

As always I was interested in the junkpile of disused equipment which was out of public view and I just had to take a look. Good thing I did because slowly being reclaimed by nature were two old diesel mine locomotives and their carriages. I have been unable to find any detailed information on these locomotives however I believe they were built by Hudswell Clarke in Leeds and date back to the 1920's. They photographed very nicely anyway.

Advertising the caves. 1024x768	This unidentified diesel locomotive is on display at the public entrance to the Clearwell Caves. 1024x768	The diesel mine locomotive. 1024x768	There are two locomotives and their carriages in this photo. 1024x768
Radiator grille. 768x1024	Munufactured by Hudswell Clarke, Leeds UK. 1024x768	Locomotive driver's console. 1024x768	Built in 1921? 1024x768
Doors which allow stretchers to be loaded. Iron ore mining was a dangerous occupation. 768x1024	More carriages. 1024x768	Slowly being reclaimed by nature 1024x768