Harold Smith and the re-engineering of the Albion 901 engine at Lincoln
by Nigel Tilly
Dick Hardy, in his 1985 book “Railways in the Blood”, tells how the Albion 901 engine became the 903:
"In 1956 diesel railcars had come to Lincoln and a new maintenance depot created where once had stood the Great Central engine shed. A decision was taken to employ a certain Harold Smith who had experience with maintenance of the Lincolnshire bus fleet. Harold became an institution at Lincoln. He not only brought with him a wealth of experience but he became a railwayman very quickly indeed and he gave everything he knew to his fleet of DMUs".
"They had their troubles and I particularly remember the 901 Leyland Albion engine. This had wet liners which were gradually forced upwards until they caused the head gaskets to blow, giving us endless trouble. Although I was acting Traffic Manager, Lincoln, I was also Locomotive Engineer for the Eastern Region and I dealt with DMU engines as well as locomotives. Harold Smith had his solution to the problem but had no authority to make a modification to one of the Leyland engines. Cutting far more corners than I had a right to do, I authorised, as Locomotive Engineer, the proposals that I was putting forward as Traffic Manager, Lincoln. Harold made his modification which was a
resounding success. Leyland co-operated to the full, and the revised engine became the 903 and runs to this day, trouble free and reliable. Oh, that it were always possible to make improvements so quickly, based on the experience of practical men who really know the answers".
The article above refers to the years 1963/4. I would add that in my time on the Eastern Region (1974-1985) the Lincoln Albion engines were always catalogued as “901/3” while the later engines on the Trans Pennine units (also modified to dry liners) became 902/3s.
Harold lived to the good age of 95 and I stayed in contact with him throughout his retirement. I was honoured to be one of only two railwaymen at his funeral. The eulogy, given by the priest, included reference to Albion engines.
