census (WD) number MK1 carrier

[Michael R.]

I suspect the 8532 number on your RCEME rebuild tag from 204 B.W.S. is a sequential numbering system of a rebuild program, not related to the factory engine numbers. At least two other BWS did rebuilds using lower numbering sequences.

204 Base Work Shop, RCEME:
October, 1950: 5000
September, 1951: 6500
October, 1951: 6650
March, 1953: 8532

If the original C81 block has not been replaced, the factory engine serial number should appear on the manifold deck, starting with letters 'TL', and ending with F.
For example: TL 13776 F. You could also see a letter 'V' after the 'F', along with some Inspector stamps.