Popular Post Oliver Rails Posted November 12, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted November 12, 2019 Rails enters the Jet Age! To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the unique gas turbine prototype, Rails of Sheffield and Heljan are proud to announce the development of a museum quality OO gauge model of this groundbreaking famous British Railways gas turbine prototype 18000, nicknamed ‘Kerosene Castle’. Seventy years ago this month, in November 1949, Swiss companies Brown Boveri and SLM completed the construction of a ground- breaking gas turbine locomotive for British Railways Western Region. We are celebrating the anniversary of that significant event with a new OO gauge model of 18000, due for release in late-2020. Design work was completed over the summer and tooling is now well underway on what should be a highly popular model of a famous experimental machine. Our model has been developed with the assistance of the National Railway Museum using original documentation from Brown Boveri and BR Western Region, including works drawings dating from the late-1940s. Differences between the locomotive ‘as built’ and as modified during the 1950s have been incorporated into the tooling to ensure ultimate accuracy for each livery and period. Roof, cab front and grille details will vary between the BR black and BR green versions. The design and CAD work is complete and tooling is well underway. First tooling samples are expected to be ready in early-2020, followed by decorated samples in mid-year and production towards the end of next year. Three variants are to be produced: • BR Gloss Black with Silver Trim (1949-56 Condition) • BR lined green with orange/black waistband lining (1956-57 condition) and early BR crest • BR lined green with orange waistband lining (1957-60 condition) and late BR crest Pre-orders are now being taken at www.railsofsheffield.com. Priced at £199.99 They are available to pre-order now with a £30.00 deposit. Click here for more details This is a very low production run and pre-ordering is highly recommended Factfile - 18000 Although diesel power was starting to prove itself as a viable alternative to steam traction before the outbreak of the Second World War, no single unit locomotive of the time could match the power of large main line locomotives. Rather than developing its own diesels, the Great Western Railway (GWR) looked to gas turbine power, ordering a 2,500hp prototype locomotive from Swiss company Brown Boveri in 1946. Delays in construction and foreign currency shortages meant that the locomotive was not delivered until after Nationalisation, the project being inherited by British Railways Western Region. After tests on the Swiss Federal Railways network in late-1949, it was hauled across Europe and arrived in the UK via the Harwich train ferry in February 1950. Running on six axle bogies with four traction motors arranged as an A1A- A1A, the locomotive had a maximum speed of 90mph and weighed 115 tons. For low-speed shunting and light engine moves, an auxiliary diesel engine was fitted. This proved particularly useful in and around London Paddington where the noise and fumes of the main engine prompted complaints from residents and passengers. Like many experimental locomotives testing new equipment, No. 18000 experienced many problems and failures in service but on its day, the locomotive showed itself to be capable of meeting the WR’s expectations. As well as test runs, it was used on revenue earning trains between Paddington, Bristol and the West of England and gained the nickname ‘Kerosene Castle’. However, a combination of heavy fuel consumption, poor reliability and a lack of suitable operations to achieve the necessary efficiency eventually led to No. 18000 being set aside after long periods out of traffic. It was officially withdrawn in December 1960 and stored at Swindon Works until 1964, when a strange turn of events led to a second life for this experimental locomotive. No. 18000 was acquired by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and modified for wheel/rail interface experiments in Switzerland and Austria. No longer gas turbine powered, it was used as a hauled vehicle, working with various types of electric locomotive. By 1975 it was resident at the UIC’s famous Arsenal test centre in Vienna, displayed outside the Mechanical Engineering test building, where it remained until the early-1990s. However, many British enthusiasts recognised the significance of the locomotive and in 1994 it returned to the UK, sponsored by BR’s Railfreight Distribution sector, and went to Sheffield’s Tinsley depot for external restoration. Since then this tenacious survivor, now largely empty inside, has been resident at Crewe Heritage Centre, Barrow Hill and Didcot Railway Centre, where it is currently on display. It is now owned by the Pete Waterman Trust. 24 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wickham Green Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 I don't have DCC - but I MUST have sound for this one ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Hilux5972 Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 12, 2019 Wow first GT3 and now 18000. Who would have thought? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wickham Green Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 minute ago, Hilux5972 said: Wow first GT3 and now 18000. Who would have thought? Only one more to go for the full gas-turbine hat trick ! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nova Scotian Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Doesn't say in the specs if this is all-wheel drive, or is going to stay faithful to the A1A-A1A of the prototype. Despite diminished hauling, I'd be hoping for A1A-A1A, a heavy chassis and four driven axles should be enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scots region Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 So thats why the wallet did a runner this morning. 1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 7013 Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 12, 2019 Amazing announcement, I saw this as a kid on trains and it was mightily impressive. It smelled, it was very loud, and it looked like 1950s SciFi. Orders will be going in. I hope the sound profile is worked on to make it sound as authentic as possible. This loco has been a long time coming in RTR form, and even if BR(WR) is not your thing it is a significant addition to the history of our locomotives. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
truffy Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 4 minutes ago, 7013 said: even if BR(WR) is not your thing it is a significant addition to the history of our locomotives. Totally irrelevant to me in terms of both era and geography, but enough to consult rule#1 and place a pre-order. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJGraphics Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 28 minutes ago, Wickham Green said: I don't have DCC - but I MUST have sound for this one ! I reckon someone is going to have some fun doing a sound project for this . . . Charlie? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 Duly ordered, just dont tell my MD Great stuff from Rails and Heljan! 7 2 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hroth Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Eeep!!!! I built an N gauge whitemetal kit of 18000 many years ago and I've always wanted a "proper" fully detailed one..... Now lets play "hunt the wallet".... 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators AY Mod Posted November 12, 2019 Moderators Share Posted November 12, 2019 10 minutes ago, Accurascale Fran said: just dont tell my MD Stop using his card then. 17 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
217 RIVER FLESK Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 Had been wondering who was going to step up & do a model of this, well done Rails & Heljan Order placed 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Accurascale Fran Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 minute ago, AY Mod said: Stop using his card then. Legitimate business expense! 1 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 9 minutes ago, 7013 said: ...It smelled, it was very loud, and it looked like 1950s SciFi... With a smoke unit the PONG of mostly combusted kerosene should be attainable in addition to the high pitched whine. 30 minutes ago, Nova Scotian said: Doesn't say in the specs if this is all-wheel drive, or is going to stay faithful to the A1A-A1A of the prototype. Despite diminished hauling, I'd be hoping for A1A-A1A, a heavy chassis and four driven axles should be enough. Heljan have to date made all their three axle bogie models with the centre wheel an idler, and you will look in vain I think for any complaints of lack of traction; in common with other makers centre motor drives they will pull loads far beyond what their prototypes were seen with. 2 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Brinkly Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 This is rather exciting! 2 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach bogie Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 13 minutes ago, Hroth said: Eeep!!!! I built an N gauge whitemetal kit of 18000 many years ago and I've always wanted a "proper" fully detailed one..... Now lets play "hunt the wallet".... Same for me. Ordered one to 'back up' my old resin one. Well it needs new traction tyres - any excuse Mike Wiltshire 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BMacdermott Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 Hello everyone Many congratulations to Rails on this announcement! The loco has been in The Top 50 of The 00 Wishlist Poll since 2013, apart from 2015 when it was just a handful of votes outside. We wish Rails every success with the project. Brian (on behalf of The 00 Poll Team, but will be buying one personally ) 6 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cctransuk Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 This one is going to be a BIG seller !! Late crest version ordered. Regards, John Isherwood. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sails Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 minute ago, cctransuk said: This one is going to be a BIG seller !! Late crest version ordered. Regards, John Isherwood. well very low production run stated, so pre-orders advised, I also went for the late crest model. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium 7013 Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 12, 2019 I have gone black/ silver, but am trying my hardest not to order late crest or even all three! 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted November 12, 2019 Share Posted November 12, 2019 40 minutes ago, Accurascale Fran said: Legitimate business expense! I thought you meant the wife!!! FANTASTIC selection of rare locomotive - brilliant 'spot' by Rails!! Al. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold RedgateModels Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 hour ago, AY Mod said: Stop using his card then. Pots and Kettles 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 1 hour ago, JJGraphics said: I reckon someone is going to have some fun doing a sound project for this . . . Charlie? It's going to be interesting trying to get the diesel to gas turbine start-up and changeover sorted and working in a way that sounds right. I saw it once or twice but only at/starting away from a station so I only ever heard it running at low power output. 1 hour ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said: With a smoke unit the PONG of mostly combusted kerosene should be attainable in addition to the high pitched whine. Heljan have to date made all their three axle bogie models with the centre wheel an idler, and you will look in vain I think for any complaints of lack of traction; in common with other makers centre motor drives they will pull loads far beyond what their prototypes were seen with. I doubt it would pong of combusted kerosene as the Whittle turbine on 18000 was designed to run on pre-heated Bunker C heavy fuel oil - the same stuff that was used on GWR oil burning steam engines. It also used on ordinary 'diesel' (presumably gas oil?) for the diesel engine. It was stated in one PR release that 18100 would use 'the same fuel as diesel (rail)cars' but it was supposed also to be designed to run on Heavy Fuel Oil although it could no doubt burn diesel just as effectively. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted November 12, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 12, 2019 Did she ever run on Western Region named trains services. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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