Rugby Locomotive Testing Station
In the 1950s there were two static locomotive test plants
(at Rugby and Swindon) where locomotives could be put through their paces on a
'rolling road' rig.
The Locomotive Testing Station at Rugby was the idea of
Sir Nigel Gresley, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LNER. Building started in
1936 as a joint project with the LMS railway, but was stopped during the war. It
finally opened in 1948 under British Railways. Testing of Steam and Diesel
locomotives continued until 1965 but the station did not officially close until
1970. The building was demolished in 1984. Look on the warwickshirerailways.com site for a comprehensive article about the testing station with photographs and records of all locos tested. A memory from the 12 year old Rob Blair who visited the plant in 1953:- "It was whilst staying with a mate in
Rugby I got the chance to see round the test centre. His friend Ken was
sent to work there for a time from Swindon. Diesel loco's were on the horizon
and known by Ken as "Stink Wagons". Photos are BR official unless otherwise stated |