Rugby Locomotive Testing Station

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.

The plant consisted of a main testing area containing the rolling road and measuring equipment with a locomotive preparation area / workshop in a lean-to extension on the north side.

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".

My memories are a bit sketchy now, but I remember the detailed analysis during the run of smoke gasses etc. and draw-bar pull. Coal was carefully weighed by the men in white coats.

The rollers, which could be set at any distance to suit the loco', were of course power driven too, I think by hydraulic power. The control room was above and behind the tender."

Photos are BR official unless otherwise stated

	The front cover of the publicity brochure for Rugby Locomotive Testing Station in 1948		The front cover of the publicity brochure which was given to visitors to Rugby Locomotive Testing Station in the early 1950s Courtesy Rob Blair
	The 1948 brochure inside		The 1948 brochure - elevation of the rolling road
	The control room with Black Five No.44765 .It was on the rollers from Feb 1950 to June 1950 for double and single chimney testing.		Unrebuilt MN 35022 'Holland America Line' on the rolling road
	Rebuilt MN 35025 'Brocklebank Line' on the rolling road		Britannia class No: 70005 on the rolling road - static
	9F No:92013 on the rolling road JBC McCann courtesy Online Transport Archive		GT3 gas turbine loco on test on the rolling road Unknown
	The plaque inside the entrance - most equipment was supplied by Heenan and Froude of Worcester.

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