The LNER Encyclopedia

http://www.projectmiller.org.uk/


Who would have thought 25 years ago that these would be preservation projects ?.

HSTs make sense of course, but I'm a bit surprised the NRM are agreeing to bring the prototype into running order. I thought their policy was to keep things original as much as possible, particularly when we're talking about a prototype. Eg. KOYLI might run but DP1 never will.


Richard

One of the most successful operational, and publicity, icons since the Silver Jubilee I feel that preservation is totally justified in this case.

However, I don't like them so don't come to me for money!!

[quote="Postman Prat"]One of the most successful operational, and publicity, icons since the Silver Jubilee I feel that preservation is totally justified in this case.
[quote]
I agree, love them or hate them it can't be denied that the HST's are the most successful design ever introduced by BR and possibly ever. The fact is that they have remained in front line service for 35 years so far, which is longer than any of the LNER designs ever did, and will last long enough to outdo even the Gresley A3's; the recent replacement of the power units will give them at least another 15 years.
When they first appeared on the ECML in about 1980, we all mourned the passing of the Deltics, just as we had mourned the end of steam 15 years earlier. I have no doubt that, when they have been replaced by the next generation of power, many of us will be standing by the trackside wishing we could hear the roar of a Valenta once again!

...and IIRC, only put together as a concept, and produced, as an intended 'stop-gap' measure (about "10 years" was it?) until the APT was fully developed and in service : - Presumably for such as the GWML, either electrification was expected or there would have been a diesel APT ??

StevieG wrote:...and IIRC, only put together as a concept, and produced, as an intended 'stop-gap' measure (about "10 years" was it?) until the APT was fully developed and in service : - Presumably for such as the GWML, either electrification was expected or there would have been a diesel APT ??

Don't forget that the original APT was gas turbine powered. Only when fuel prices rose dramatically did it change to an electric version.

Wasn't it 23 months from start of design to delivery and they only cost £800,000.

Even though I admire the HST's I would much rather see DELTIC returned to service. It would be lovely to see a service EC HST in "Banana" livery.

Multiprinter wrote:

StevieG wrote:...and IIRC, only put together as a concept, and produced, as an intended 'stop-gap' measure (about "10 years" was it?) until the APT was fully developed and in service : - Presumably for such as the GWML, either electrification was expected or there would have been a diesel APT ??

Don't forget that the original APT was gas turbine powered. Only when fuel prices rose dramatically did it change to an electric version.

Silly me! Thanks for that reminder.
It was quite a while between the APT-E (Experimental)'s test runs and the APT-P (Prototype) electrics appearing.
Remember how long the APT-E's nose was? There were special instructions for working the train, including blocking the adjacent road or points connection, on curves of certain sharp radii, such as at geographical double junctions and double running junctions between parallel lines, because of the nose's overhang fouling the other line's gauge.

Oops! I'll shut up now - just remembered what this thread's subject is supposed to be.