No.5 Lister Diesel Mechanical | Bure Valley Railway

Diesel Locomotive - No. 5 "Lister" Diesel Mechanical

Diesel Locomotive No. 5 is a distinctive part of the Bure Valley Railway fleet in Norfolk. Compact, reliable and full of character, this narrow-gauge diesel has roots in Britain’s industrial past and today serves as a practical complement to our steam locomotives on the heritage railway.

No. 5's Build & Origins

Many small industrial diesels like No. 5 were originally built to move peat on the Somerset Levels for Fisons Ltd. between 1922 and 1979. No. 5 began life as a two-foot gauge locomotive supplied essentially as a chassis only. In the late 1970s, a top framework was added and fitted with canvas drop-down sheeting to offer the driver some protection from the weather.

When acquired for the Bure Valley Railway, the locomotive was regauged to 15 inches and given a wooden outer skin to create a tram-like appearance. For a time, it even carried a wooden body styled to resemble “Toby” the tram engine. Following an overhaul in 2016, the loco returned to service in its late-1970s form, reflecting its authentic industrial look.

Technical details

Gauge: 15 inches
Length: 10 foot
Width: 3 foot, 6 inches
Working Weight: 1½ tons
Engine: twin cylinder, air cooled diesel
Horse power: 15.5 bhp at 2,500 rpm
Wheel Arrangement: 4w
Driving Wheel Diameter: 14 inches

Still Hard at Work on the Railway

Today, Diesel Locomotive No. 5 is owned by the Bure Valley Railway, where it plays a valued role in daily operations on our 15-inch gauge line between Aylsham and Wroxham. She offers visitors a glimpse of the equipment that once powered everyday industry - and continues to support heritage railway operations in Norfolk today.