Lowliner wagon ride tests
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Later, I was involved in the acceptance testing of the prototype replacement vehicles for the Freightliner flats. The design of these low-platform bogie vehicles (known as 'Lowliners') came in two versions, one with 4-wheel bogies and one with 6-wheel bogies, both with 724mm dia. wheels which were smaller than usual, as a means of carrying larger containers. This gave a floor height above rail level of approx. 850mm. These commenced extensive riding trials on the WCML in the spring of 1972 but were ultimately rejected. Click on the pictures for a bigger image - All photos are the author's |
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An AL5 (later class 85) locomotive with a Down express passes the 'Lowliner' vehicle test train at Bletchley on 11th May 1972. |
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The view from the ground at Rugby Station on 11th May 1972 as an AL6 (later class 86) hauled Up express 1A74 passes the test train. Test Car 4 can be seen in the background and the fine overall station roof, which sadly has now been demolished. |
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One of the Lowliner wagons is seen here being manoeuvred on the bogie rotation rig in the EDU |
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The official BR diagram for the outer vehicle of the 4-wheel bogie Lowliner |
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The official BR diagram for the outer vehicle of the 6-wheel bogie Lowliner |
