At the time of construction around 1950, neither Brush nor Bagnalls, who teamed up to form Brush Bagnall, had made main line diesel locos before. Indeed, even Britain had at the time only two main line diesel locos, more or less experimental units, constructed by English Electric. This company (Eng Elec) had made main line diesels for overseas use.

True enough, the M1s had their fair share of problems initially. However, it is a tribute to Mr Rampala and the railway workshop staff at the time that these were all overcome and the locos gave excellent service for over three decades. By the mid-fiftees, Ceylon had considerable experience with main line diesels, which even Britain could not boast of. Mr Rampala was hailed as a railway engineer of international repute and even the mighty General Motors had sent a representative to listen to his paper presented in Britain around 1956.

Brush benefited immensely from the M1 experience and Mr Rampala’s advice and went on to become Britain’s leading locomotive builder later. The Type 2 loco, based on the M1 and using the same Mirrlees JS12VT engine in an uprated version, was built by Brush in hundreds and was the standard loco for the type in Britain. Mr Rampala’s fame was such that even overseas publications on railways referred to him in glowing terms.

It is sad to see the M1s lying derelict in the Ratmalana Yard. Of course with SLGR’s desperate lack of cash and priority for absolutely essential works, its’ not a wonder that the rehabilitation of a M1 is not even a consideration. Perhaps overseas help could be enlisted for Number 560 if private funding cannot be found. Brush is still around as Brush Traction, although no longer making locos. Perhaps they could take it to England and reabilitate and fit 4′ 8.5″ bogies (taken from a BR Type 2) and run it on a preserved railway there. The M1 is a significant heritage asset for Brush, just as it is for Sri Lanka. It is better for 560 to run overseas even than to be cut up in Sri Lanka.

Whatever it is, all avenues need to be explored to see if M1 Number 560 could be resurrected. The M1 preservation society should leave no stone unturned. Having restored the loco, what better tribute it would be than naming it after the greatest engineer produced by Sri Lanka, Bamunuarachige Don Rampala!

SLRF Team