Leeds Engine:Histories: Rotherham Firms

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A Brief History of Isaac Dodds

Dodds & sons was established in the Holmes Engine works at Rotherham by Isaac Dodds. Between 1839-42 he was in charge of the locomotive department of the Sheffield and Rotherham railway which will have ensured some business for the works. About 1849 the first engine was built in Rotherham.

By 1867 the official receiver had been called in to look after the company.

A selection of the locomotives - all are standard guage with the exception of those supplied to "Isabel II" and "GIPR" which will have been 5`6".
Year Wheels Railway Company Number Name
1849 0-4-2 South Yorkshire 3 Fitzwilliam
1850 0-4-2 Great Indian Peninsular 10  
1850 0-4-2 Great Indian Peninsular 11  
1853 2-4-0 Alar and Santander   Ysabel
1854 0-4-2 Deeside 3  
1854 0-4-2 Newport Abergavenny and Hereford 20  
1854 0-4-2 Newport Abergavenny and Hereford 21  
1854 0-4-2 Newport Abergavenny and Hereford 22  
1856 2-4-0 Great Indian Peninsular    
1856 2-4-0 Great Indian Peninsular    
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 1 Ysabel II
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 2 Fran Asis
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 3 Perseverance
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 4 Santander
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 5 Castilla
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 6 Habana
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 7 Velasco
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 8 B de Garay
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 9 Alfonso
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 10 Princess
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 11 Cantabria
1856 2-4-0 Isabel II 12 Bonifaz
1868 2-2-2 London Brighton and South Coast 127  
1868 2-2-2 London Brighton and South Coast 128  

A Brief History of Thomas Hill

Thomas Hill was established in the Vanguard works at (Kilnhurst) Rotherham in 1937. Initially the works concentrated on maintenance and repair of Sentinel steam wagons. Eventually the works rebuilt many Sentinel steam locos to diesel. Quite a few new Vanguard diesels were built. 1960 Rolls-Royce (who had taken over Sentinel) had a financial interest in the business. Later taken over by RFS industries.

For more information see:-
Title Author ISBN
The British Steam Railway Locomotive 1825-1925 E.L. Ahrons 9781851701032
British Steam Locomotive Builders James W Lowe 9781473822894

Acknowledgements

This article was produced by Andrew Johnson