Sunbird24
Member
Using the formulae here - http://www.republiclocomotive.com/tractive_effort_and_power_calculations.html - and waving a wet finger about to estimate 'power at the wheels', I reckon that an 88 on diesel could manage maximum tractive effort (317kN) up to about 4-5 mph, then TE falls off as speed increases as per the normal 'constant power' curve. As 950 hp is 'heavy shunter' power level i.e. what you might use to shove a whole train over a yard hump, that feels about right.
So yes, it could climb Shap with a heavy train on diesel, but slowly...but that is still better than not moving at all in the event of overhead power loss.
Looking at the ratings the diesel output is only a little more than that required by one traction motor, so would the whole supply be fed to a single axle or shared equally between two or more, and if so is this controlled by the driver or is it automatic?
Either way it might climb Shap on a good day but when its wet n windy it might need a push from a banker.
Are bankers still held as spares at Tebay/Shap/Carlisle, I notice one 68 is diagrammed to run to Shap every morning and return in the evening, is that part of such a service?