Last Days of "HS 4000, KESTREL".

[swisstrains]

The APT worked Euston-Glasgow relief services three times per week from 1983-1985.

[swisstrains]

Originally Posted by 62440

In the gallery "APT Cutting 21.03.1987", shows some of the last APT coaches being dismantled.

(Sorry, I'm lousy at cut and past or would have put up a link)

Cheers, 62440.

This one?
http://www.railwayforum.net/gallery/...imageuser=2802

[klordger1900]

Here is more evidence that the high speed railways dont work well in extremely cold temps. Perhaps they should be looking to aero technology which copes very well at 40K feet at -40 deg C. Even desending to surface humidity doesnt cause them any problems!

[pre65]

Originally Posted by klordger1900

Here is more evidence that the high speed railways dont work well in extremely cold temps. Perhaps they should be looking to aero technology which copes very well at 40K feet at -40 deg C. Even desending to surface humidity doesnt cause them any problems!

Anything that flies HAS to be designed to cope with very specific climatic conditions and nothing can be left to chance.

Even modern motor cars seem to be immune from the climatic vagaries that we have and don't suddenly break down when it gets cold/wet/hot/damp/freezing/dusty etc etc.

[62440]

John/Swisstrains: Got it in one sir!

Regards, 62440.

[John H-T]

Originally Posted by pre65

Anything that flies HAS to be designed to cope with very specific climatic conditions and nothing can be left to chance.

Even modern motor cars seem to be immune from the climatic vagaries that we have and don't suddenly break down when it gets cold/wet/hot/damp/freezing/dusty etc etc.

I would agree with your comment re flying however I think you are being unfair to compare 70's design with modern cars. I recall having considerable problems with cars in winter conditions at that time. We have moved forward in winterising quite considerably since then.

The modern plane has been developed as the result of experience, sadly fatal in a number of cases.

History has proved that the basic design of the APT was not flawed which is why other manufacturers were happy to take it on, develop it and then sell it back to us!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

[klordger1900]

The same happened with Prof. Eric Laithwaite's Maglev train which ran across the Fens when I were a lad. I saw the track once and the actual train is plinthed at Peterboro Railway World. But everyone else with money to spend thinks its the future of railways. You dont have to worry about brakes freezing thats for sure!

[class47]

Originally Posted by 62440

It had indeed, 5 foot gauge over there I believe? As it had an axleload of over 22 tons it would hardly have suited most preserved lines. Shame it went. I saw it being built, out on test, on display at the 1968 open day at Derby Loco Works and on shed at Finsbury Park. A very impressive bit of kit!

Regards, 62440.

I was reading some BR documents on saturday and the weight issue was one amongst several why BR didnt like it. Apprently the size of the Sulzer engine made the engine room a nightmare to work in as it was so cramped. Next time I go to Kew I'll dig out the file again and list out the reasons in more detail if people are interested?

Regards

Simon

[ccmmick]

Originally Posted by class47

Apprently the size of the Sulzer engine made the engine room a nightmare to work in as it was so cramped.

Regards

Simon

All engine rooms are cramped the worst one from what i remember is the class 50.

ccmmick.

[Seabrook]

I'm glad to see some of the contributors feel cars are immune to climatic problems. So all the cars sliding on Black Ice was deliberate was it? The lorries inability to climb the smallest snowy incline even on a motorway was very attractive, were the drivers looking for a lock in the nearest hostelry. No form of transport is without problems, the difference is that they show up in different ways. Trains as opposed to motor vehicles are not allowed to proceed when the circumstances are dangerous. That is reflected in the statistics. When was the last public enquiry after a motor accident!