The Ministry of Defence Engine is a black "beetle-like" electric locomotive used for shunting at the Ministry of Defence base in the former Skarloey Slate Quarry.
Biography
In 1960, the slate quarry near Skarloey was taken over and militarised by the Ministry of Defence for the storage of ammunition after its closure. The Ministry of Defence use their own engine to shunt in the sidings, a black electric-powered engine described as "beetle-like".[1]
Technical Details
Basis
Due to the highly classified nature of its work, the engine has never been seen in The Railway Series, and its basis is unknown.
Livery
The Ministry of Defence Engine is painted black.
Appearances
The Railway Series
Companion Volumes
- 1987 - The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways (mentioned)
Lectures
- 1972 - Narrow Gauge Rails in Sodor (mentioned)
References
| Locomotives | Steam | The Little Blue Tank Engine* | Coffee Pots | W&SR Tank Engines* | Arlesdale Tramway Engines* | The Dark Green Tank Engine* | Lady** | Sodor Tramway Engines** |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | Mavis | |
| Other | Ministry of Defence Engine* | Skarloey Funicular Railway Trams* | Vicarstown Tramway Engines** | |
| People | Burnett Stone** | |
| Locations | Anopha Quarry | The Magic Railroad** | Sodor Tramways** | |