Oxfordshire Ironstone Co. Ruston Bucyrus 54

[taurus MK1]

Hi everyone and a Happy New Year to you all.
Here we have some old photos i took back in the eighties of one of two RB 54 that oxfordshire ironstone ran. One was delivered in 1942 and the other in 1944. Cannot tell you which one this is ,but i do know the engine number- Ruston & Hornsby Ltd size 5 class VCBN No.207956.
This was all brought to my attention whilst i was flicking through my xmas pressie, the next in the series by Peter Robinson, The RB Years 1945-1970, and the above is featured in the 54 section.
I always wanted to try and save her, but that was along time ago, i guess she was cut up. I have a mate who use to drive for Banbury Plant Hire, driving a Vickers on some of the ironstone pits, he says he has some photos, i will have to pester him some more!!!!!!!

Cheers John

[Ian Fletcher1970]

Nice Pictures John Thanks for posting.
I also received Peter Robinsons Ruston Bucyrus Years Part 3 for Christmas - Excellent reading - Can't wait for part 4 with the big Mining Shovels (195B) and walking draglines in.
I hope your mate can find his pictures,

All the Best

Ian

[FOWLER MAN]

Hello,
I have some old photos of draglines from some local opencast sites. Two are of Parkinsons Marion 720 Walker and one of draglines at work at Taylor Woodrows Royal Arms Site, Merthyr in the1970's.
Fred

[gah1950]

hello john,
thanks for posting the photos of the 54-rb.they were a very robust machine especially when in F/S configuration.i can remember that the hoist rope was 1inch and an eighth in diameter.also that 5 cyl ruston engine had a nasty habit of sucking the oil out of the air cleaners and they would run in reverse until they destoyed themselves.happy days.
graham.

[38RBSII]

Very intetresting pictures, John.

That 54 would certainly have been a great restoration project!

Matt.

[Osgood]

Hi John,

A while back now but I've only just found this thread. I think these photos were taken at Peter Court's ironstone quarry north of Banbury - I remember seeing it there around 1995? Peter said it was supposed to be going out to India, but I guess the money never materialised and yes I believe it did get cut up in the end. Shame.

Herbert Minns ran several 54RBs in East Anglia in aggregate pits in the 60s, 70s and 80s - I have a few photos if anyone is interested.

[XS650]

Bring them on !