Network Rail Test Trains

[whhistle]

So NR have a few sets, including 37 and 31.
Do these locos have route availability that the HST doesn't?

Just thinking whether any HSTs would be taken by them so they can get rid of their older locos.

 

[Murray J]

Don't think so. The 31s were gotten rid of a few years ago and most 37s NR use now are colas, HNRC or DRS ones leased in to operate test trains, particularly UTUs (ones with a 37 on one end and a DBSO on the other). Doubt they'll take any more HSTs, 1 set is enough and it'd probably take a while to outfit another.

 

[43096]

Don't think so. The 31s were gotten rid of a few years ago and most 37s NR use now are colas, HNRC or DRS ones leased in to operate test trains, particularly UTUs (ones with a 37 on one end and a DBSO on the other). Doubt they'll take any more HSTs, 1 set is enough and it'd probably take a while to outfit another.

There is no reason why they couldn't use a power car in place of a 37 on the existing test trains, with the driving car at the other end converted to work with the power car.

 

[Murray J]

Probably not, but why would they need to do that when what they've already got works perfectly?

 

[hooverboy]

So NR have a few sets, including 37 and 31.
Do these locos have route availability that the HST doesn't?

Just thinking whether any HSTs would be taken by them so they can get rid of their older locos.

in locomotive terms there was only class 20's that were more "go anywhere" than HST's.
The 37's are about on par.

the 31's are RA6 so less able.

The restriction came with the carriages. MK2 sets had a bit more flexibility.

 

[43096]

Probably not, but why would they need to do that when what they've already got works perfectly?

More modern, higher speed (100mph testing vs 80/90mph with a 37), lower fuel consumption, common fleet etc etc

 

[hwl]

More modern, higher speed (100mph testing vs 80/90mph with a 37), lower fuel consumption, common fleet etc etc

and less polluting...

 

[DarloRich]

great thread.

most 37s NR use now are colas, HNRC or DRS

or the class 97's

Probably not, but why would they need to do that when what they've already got works perfectly?

does it? I wonder.

 

[Murray J]

or the class 97's



does it? I wonder.

Like I said, most. Anyway, the 37s are fairly reliable, doesn't mean they won't fail from time to time.

 

[HSP 2]

What is the point of having a test train that will do 125 mph when the line it's working on is only "fit" for 60 mph.
You may as well keep the old school second train.

Unless you just want to see some more 43s still working?

 

[43096]

What is the point of having a test train that will do 125 mph when the line it's working on is only "fit" for 60 mph.
You may as well keep the old school second train.

Unless you just want to see some more 43s still working?

For the reasons given above.

 

[InOban]

The obvious advantage of an HST set is that they don't need to run the engine round at . a terminus. Indeed if it's a one engine in steam branch, I suppose they must send in a second 37 to retrieve the train.

 

[jopsuk]

They've got a few DBSOs set up that work with the 37s, or they just top and tail.

 

[hooverboy]

What is the point of having a test train that will do 125 mph when the line it's working on is only "fit" for 60 mph.
You may as well keep the old school second train.

Unless you just want to see some more 43s still working?

realistically for testing purposes you need both.
low speed for scanning the track/bedding accoustically etc, and high speed for checking out it all fits properly, catenary can handle it etc.

 

[dosxuk]

Fast trains can slow down for low speed use like scanning, but slow trains can't speed up for high speed use like traveling to the location they're being used at.

 

[HSP 2]

if the slow speed test train is fitted for use with 31s or 37s maybe 20s as well the DVT is set up for that, so what would you do? Re wire all of the possible coaches that could be use on the slow train with a class 43. Or refit all of the gear into Mk3 HST coaches then you have to fit at least buck eye couplings to the stock and 43s (the test trains don't all run in fixed formations). Or you could use ex loco hauled Mk3 coaches just a full refit and the need of the wiring for the use of the 43s (I can't remember how the two loco talk to one another). Another down side is that Mk3 coaches are C3 restriction Mk1 & M2s are C1.

So a lot of money could be spent for NO gain apart from two more class 43s getting kept.

 

[Meerkat]

Can a 43 tow a 442?

just kidding.would you have to rewire the coaches or can you sling some electrical gubbins in the guards bit of the 43 to give the correct supply?
How heavy is a test train relative to an 88 on diesel? That would be NR setting a good example if possible....(probable RA issues??)

 

[HSP 2]

Can a 43 tow a 442?

just kidding.would you have to rewire the coaches or can you sling some electrical gubbins in the guards bit of the 43 to give the correct supply?
How heavy is a test train relative to an 88 on diesel? That would be NR setting a good example if possible....(probable RA issues??)

If you "sling some electrical gubbins in the guards bit" how does it get to the other end?

IIRC the 88 has a RA of about 7, the 37 a RA of about 5 and the 43 a RA of about 5. So the two older locos can go to more places. But I do like how your thinking about the 88s. Down side is that I can't remember the RCD getting and keeping a "new" loco.

On your first question, my question is why would it have to? But if all of the correct gear has been made yes it could. But why????

 

[Roger B]

I believe 977969 is part of UTU2 - have I got that right? I'd love to know where UTU2 is usually stabled, it never seems to be on Derby RTC when I go past. Can anyone point me in the right direction please? Many thanks

 

[fgwrich]

in locomotive terms there was only class 20's that were more "go anywhere"...

I think the 20 and the 73 has to be the most go-anywhere loco on the network. I'd certainly be happy to see more of the GB ones covered and utilised on the test train jobs.

 

[Spartacus]

I think the 20 and the 73 has to be the most go-anywhere loco on the network. I'd certainly be happy to see more of the GB ones covered and utilised on the test train jobs.

It might be nice to see 20s, but there'd be no point with the NR 950/150. NR's 73s do see a fair bit of use though.

 

[hooverboy]

I think the 20 and the 73 has to be the most go-anywhere loco on the network. I'd certainly be happy to see more of the GB ones covered and utilised on the test train jobs.

the 20's have had a good innings, realistically they are only good for shunting duties now.

the modified 73/9's on the other hand are proving to be quite versatile little beasties.
I think NR should invest in a few more of those, either with the MTU power plant or 2*QSK19.
The latter might be the better option as it could be used in eco mode with just one engine on(better for fuel economy) if lightly loaded, or use as an auxiliary engine if one fails, which would mean improved reliability.