Here is a selection of freight testing from the early days - most are likely to be braking tests. These fell into two categories:
| Vacuum brake admission tests to overcome snatches etc with long vacuum-fitted trains |
| Tests on the efficiency of the air brake following the decision in 1964 to abandon the vacuum brake. |
Click on the pictures for a bigger image - All photos are from the author's collection except where otherwise credited.
Iron ore tippler tests
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On November 7th 1962 BR Sulzer Type 4 loco D141 departs Finedon Road, Wellingborough with an iron ore tippler test train bound for West Hartlepool |
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The train is pictured on Syston North curve re-joining the Midland main line after travelling via Corby, Manton and Melton Mowbray |
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A close up of the Dynamometer Car No:3 |
Ferry van testing
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This poor quality picture shows
a brake test train approaching Cromford station on the line between Derby
and Manchester. Note the mobile test unit behind the locomotive and the
interminable number of vans. Unknown |
Articulated car carriers - Cartic
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On 18th August 1967 former LMS Dynamometer Car No:3 pictured at the head of a test train consisting of a 4 car 'Cartic' articulated car carrier at an unknown location |
Freightliner 1
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Type 2 locomotive D6533 with a Freightliner test train including Dynamometer car No:1 stands outside the Locomotive Works at Derby on 22nd January 1964 |
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The train pictured on the exit road from the C&W Works at Derby |
Freightliner 2
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Brush Type 4 locomotive D1806 with another Freightliner test train including Dynamometer car No:3 passing Chester box on 15th May 1967. This test train was undertaking 'high speed braking tests' with three types of disc brakes. |
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The train pictured passing Chester station |
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The train pictured leaving Chester station on the route to Holyhead |
MGR testing
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A test train with Dynamometer
Car No:3 and a number of MGRs in tow hauled by a Class 47 c1965 - probably a
braking test of some sort Unknown |
Miscellaneous
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An amazing test train consisting of four AC locos headed by E3100 with a number of Mobile Test Units and Dynamometer Cars is pictured at Great Bridgford on the WCML south of Crewe in May 1963 |
