Back to the future on the Western?

[hq1hitchin]

From a railway correspondent - '(W) At 1350 Fri 29 July 2011 it was reported that gas turbine power locomotive 18000 had become derailed at the fuelling point at Didcot Yard by one set of wheels which had mounted the check rail. The Incident occurred on DB Schenker infrastructure who managed the incident to conclusion'.

[Bryan]

Still on the subject of the Gas engine.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ox ... e-14407111

[Blink Bonny]

Now there's a loco to restore to running order. I've never heard a gas turbine loco run.

Any takers?

[hq1hitchin]

Now there's a loco to restore to running order. I've never heard a gas turbine loco run.

Any takers?

Just what I was thinking when I learnt it had moved to Didcot, BB. Where would they begin? I presume the interior of 18000 is just a shell? Are there any suitable turbines out there? What about the traction motors - the auxiliary diesel engine, the wiring?

Even in BR days, it wasn't particularly successful

Best walk away from the idea

[Blink Bonny]

The turbines were very similar to those powering turboprop aicraft so they shouldn't be a problem.

I'm sure a bit of research would turn something up for all the missing bits. If we can build a new A1... The biggest problem is the No 2 (?) end which was rebuilt to test a new type of suspension out and which is now rather out of guage.

[hq1hitchin]

The turbines were very similar to those powering turboprop aicraft so they shouldn't be a problem.

I'm sure a bit of research would turn something up for all the missing bits. If we can build a new A1... The biggest problem is the No 2 (?) end which was rebuilt to test a new type of suspension out and which is now rather out of guage.

Nothing is impossible, that's true, but a reborn 18000 would hardly be accepted with open arms by Network Rail for use on main lines given that the original gave tens of miles of trouble free running (well, a slight exaggeration). The cost of running her now would be horrific, too, as the old bunker oil she used in those times is no longer environmentally acceptable, so my maritime workmates tell me.


Personally, I'd rather see another unreliable machine, the Metrovick D5705, put back into running order. Bet that wouldn't be passed for main line running either, though. Those Crossley engines sounded great.

[Blink Bonny]

D5705 is being worked on and approaching runningness. Another type that would have different audio entertainment. A replacement engine has been sourced from Canada.

Ugly but interesting. Very interesting.

[kudu]

If we're talking internal combustion, shouldn't the first choice be the pioneer of them all, complete with metal numerals?

What a crime that 10000 went to the scrap heap.

Kudu

[hq1hitchin]

If we're talking internal combustion, shouldn't the first choice be the pioneer of them all, complete with metal numerals?

What a crime that 10000 went to the scrap heap.

Kudu

Yes, indeed, Kudu. Seem to recall someone saying on here a few years ago that Diesel 10000 was the locomotive the NRM really feel to be missing from the national collection. Perhaps a Class 37 could be adapted?

[Blink Bonny]

In this month's British Railways Illustrated there is a letter from a David Rollins, esq, of Brisbane, Australia suggesting that the LCGB tried to do just that - preserve No 10000. BR's response was that 10000 had no engine but they could have had 10001. Pity they didn't take the substitute, really.

However, I can understand why 10000 was the one they wanted.

A class 37 could certainly provide the body but the 16cyl, 1600bhp motor could be a problem, unless anyone knows of a class 40 or 50 unit going spare that could be de-rated?

[Coboman]

Theres loads of 16CVSTs knocking about in the backup generator world that are basically the same as 10000s engine. A suitable generator might be a problem though. I believe that a set of bogies exist from under a class 77 which are as near identical as you can get. The noses are very similar to those of a peak, and D15 has still managed to escape the scrapman, but for how much longer? who knows. If that lot was adapted to fit a class 37 body, like whats been done to create D5910, then you would have essentially no 10000. However with some of those parts having an uncertain future, better strike now.
As for D5705, she's about to be lifted off her bogies so the traction motors can be overhauled or replaced (one is cooked), and the engine from Canada (a V12 version) is about to give up its internals for the V8 out of the loco. I think we'll see her running within 5 years, money providing.
Jim

[Blink Bonny]

Hmm. 10000 running again.

Nurse!! The Screens!!