We need top be realistic, yes it would be great to have a railtour behind a 76 and a rake of Mk1's . Howerver where would this take place? More chance of rocket doing a tour of all UK lines.
*In theory* (very wild theory, admittedly), if it were fully restored could it be used between Pelaw and Sunderland/South Hylton? Or do other issues* prevent that?
*Excluding the obvious ones like how it'd get there or where you'd keep it.
The Sunderland line is wired for 1500V DC...
That's basically what the pantograph trailer in a class 313 does, so it ought to be possible.Not knowing a damn thing about electrics and purely from a silly fantasy point of view. Would it be possible to put a pantograph on top of a mk1 and fit it out with equipment that could convert 25KV AC to 750V DC which could then be wired through to a locomotive?
There I’ve said it.
That's basically what the pantograph trailer in a class 313 does, so it ought to be possible.
Most definitely. This thread got me to read up on them though which I enjoyed.I think it will never run again. Generators and plugs are not technically feasible. As Gresley's last design, and a lovely job restoring it at Doncaster by their apprentices, it deserves its rest.
Not knowing a damn thing about electrics and purely from a silly fantasy point of view. Would it be possible to put a pantograph on top of a mk1 and fit it out with equipment that could convert 25KV AC to 750V DC which could then be wired through to a locomotive?
There I’ve said it.
The biggest problem there, is, that the Woodhead electrics ran on a 1500 volt supply rather than 750 volt. As has been pointed out in previous messages...... Even says 1500 volt in the title which is quite a give away as to the power supply needed.
The EM1 traction motors are 750 v , various combinations of 4 motors in series and parallel are used from the 1500v supply for low/high speed operation.The biggest problem there, is, that the Woodhead electrics ran on a 1500 volt supply rather than 750 volt. As has been pointed out in previous messages...... Even says 1500 volt in the title which is quite a give away as to the power supply needed.
I suppose the easier option would be to fit 25kv equipment, from an 86 on the scrap heap for example.
Any batteries have to be below the sole bar.
Any current cannot be 'plugged in from a van' next to the loco.
It's stuffed and mounted. It has all original Bolier, lovely old Electrics the lot from1950s
Catenary is the only pragmatic solution and its not likely!
It certainly works effectively for the North Tyneside Railway's ex-Harton Electric Railway 550v loco, E4, and it's battery pack coal wagon that allows it to adequately pootle around the yard environs. That's pretty much an order of magnitude in difference in both voltage and power draw, mind, the E4 loco having 4 x 35kW traction motors compared to the 4 x 350kW motors of the class 76. Though I'm assuming that you wouldn't be looking to mercilessly thrash to the limits of its capabilities such a venerable and unique survivor as 26020.Just out of interest, aren't there examples of electric multiple units with pantograph collection on one coach feeding current via cable to coupled power cars? If so, what's the difference?
When Reddish depot closed, the 1500V DC class 506 units were transferred to Longsight depot for maintenance. Class 83 loco number 83009 was used as a 25kV AC to 1500V DC converter at the depot to test the units. After this job finished, 83009 was returned to running order for Euston ECS duties. I suppose then that it would be technically possible for one of the preserved AC locos at Barrow Hill to provide DC power to a restored Class 76 26020!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90285366@N05/8692056291
When Reddish depot closed, the 1500V DC class 506 units were transferred to Longsight depot for maintenance. Class 83 loco number 83009 was used as a 25kV AC to 1500V DC converter at the depot to test the units. After this job finished, 83009 was returned to running order for Euston ECS duties. I suppose then that it would be technically possible for one of the preserved AC locos at Barrow Hill to provide DC power to a restored Class 76 26020!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90285366@N05/8692056291