They have a monocoque body construction and a co-co wheel arrangement and are fitted with an 8 cylinder, 145 litre Mirrlees Blackstone 8MB275T diesel power unit supplying the six SEPEX traction motors. The locos can produce 3,100HP.
Two cab designs were reviewed and mock ups produced before the final one was decided upon
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The two wooden
mock ups outside the EDU on 12th August 1987 Adrian Healey |
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The winning design
on show at NS 150 in Utrecht June 1989 Author |
The first two locomotives were allocated to RTC for extensive type testing and commissioning which commenced at the Mickleover Test Track, later continuing at Old Dalby with the test programme also including main line running to specific locations for special tests.
They suffered from a number of teething problems including software and axleboxes plus the diesel engine and at one time it looked as if the contract might have been cancelled.
Although the author was not directly involved with these locomotives they were around at the RTC in 1989-93 when undergoing acceptance testing and commissioning by my colleagues.
Click on the picture for a bigger image - pictures are the BR official unless otherwise credited
