General Characteristics

The present proposal aims to deliver a brand new high-performance steam locomotive for the haulage of high speed main line charter trains at the lowest cost, yet incorporating features designed to maximise the return on the capital investment It will be designed to 'state of the art' steam locomotive technology which guarantees a level of performance far exceeding that of former steam, yet without sacrificing any of the steam locomotive's rugged simplicity, nor its aesthetic appeal. It is to feature the following general characteristics, so as to have the highest level of acceptability to all sectors of the railway industry involved in charter train operation.

The locomotive, excluding the tender, is to be based on the size and format of the British Railways Standard Class 5MT 4-6-0 design of 1951 (as described on the "73082 Camelot Locomotive Society" website at http://www.73082-camelot.com). The reasons for this are as follows.

Given the level of power : weight ratio now possible in steam traction, it is an appropriate size of locomotive for the intended duty of main line charter train service.

The deep firebox of a 4-6-0 has, size for size, a higher evaporative capacity than a shallow firebox boiler, and is ideally suited to burning oil or coal (using the Gas Producer Combustion System). Basing the design on an existing one will significantly reduce the design complexity, time and cost. All overall dimensions constrained by the moving structure gauge being kept within those of the BR Class 5MT will facilitate route acceptance.

A modest size locomotive allows a large tender without exceeding the permissible length for turning facilities, this in turn maximising the very important parameter of operating range between supplies replenishment. The route availability is high - it is a 'go-anywhere' type.

The relatively small taper boiler gives good forward visibility from the cab, a factor of paramount importance to safe operation at high speed.

The 4-6-0 is the quintessential British locomotive type, for it was in Britain that the 4-6-0 was developed more than anywhere else, and the Class 5 may be considered to be the quintessential 4-6-0. It is considered most appropriate to build on this, and the present proposal will define the limit of performance for this type of locomotive.

Specification Summary:

Performance Summary:

* Note: 1 890 e.d.b. kW at a constant 113km/h implies the haulage of a 1075 ton 29 coach train. The ranges at both maximum power and under representative average service conditions will therefore be greater than given with the trailing loads more likely to be found in actual service (say 300 to 500 tons).

Other Criteria