Captain Howey at New Romney 28th September 2003. Click picture for a larger image.

BO BO, 112bhp, 6-cylinder mainline diesel locomotive
Designed by RH&DR
Built by TMA Engineering in 1989

Engine: Perkins 6 cylinder diesel
Power rating: 112hp
Overall length: 20'
Bogie wheel diameter: 16"
Drive: Twin disc gearbox and torque converter to prop shaft driven worm boxes on each axle
Current Livery: Blue and Silver

Such was the success of John Southland, that the RH&DR ordered a second and almost identical locomotive five years later.

Delivered in 1989 this locomotive ran without nameplates and was known as 'Number 14', but from 16th June 2001 that all changed when she received the name 'Captain Howey' after the founder of the RH&DR.

Although some people may be surprised that the name of the founding father of the railway has been given to a diesel locomotive rather than a steam engine, it should be remembered that Howey built the railway as a miniature version of a modern mainline. He was also responsible for many experiments with different forms of motive power on the railway and converted his Rolls Royce into a passenger locomotive which he then proceeded to drive at alarming speeds across the Marsh.

Originally delivered in Union Pacific yellow and grey, 'Number 14' was repainted into the blue and cream livery of Eastbourne Buses in 1983 to celebrate their 90th anniversary. The loco received a royal blue and silver livery in time for the Millennium and for her naming ceremony.

'Captain Howey' can often be seen hauling the school train during term-time and is also used for other passenger duties throughout the operating season.

Captain Howey Picture Gallery

• In Union Pacific livery at New Romney in May 1990
• Approaching train at New Romney in 1995
• Passing some young admirers after leaving Hythe in 1997
• Posing as one our 'Devious Diesels' at Dungeness during the Basil the Bug Day in Septembner 2000
• Approaching long train at Hythe, August 2001

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Captain Howey Picture Gallery

Locomotives Menu Page
1 Green Goddess
2 Northern Chief
3 Southern Maid
4 The Bug
5 Hercules
6 Samson
7 Typhoon
8 Hurricane
9 Winston Churchill
10 Dr Syn
11 Black Prince
12 John Southland
14 Captain Howey

Steam Driving Experience Days