48DS
The 48DS was one of the smallest standard gauge locomotives available in Britain and the smallest to be built by Rustons.
Originally, as 44/48HP, they were classed in with their
narrow gauge counterparts as they used the same engines, gearboxes, and other
components. It was only with the introduction of the new classification scheme
from around 1942 that the narrow gauge loco became 48DL (Diesel Locomotive) and the standard
gauge became 48DS (Diesel Shunter) from w/n 203040 onwards.
The type was developed from Rustons first standard gauge
locomotive, w/n 177530 (below). This loco was the only standard gauge Ruston to use a Lister
engine, the other 44/48s used the Ruston 4VRO unit.
The photo above (loco w/n 182148) shows the production body style with the
early type of cab.
Locomotives built from the war years had larger wheels, a slightly
different cab and detail changes to the cab steps and axlebox guards etc. From the
mid 1940s, the 4VRH engine became standard, this
being replaced by the 4YC from 1957. The final slight changes to the class involved an enclosed
cab and deep buffer beams.