A different use for a class 47...

[kryten65]

woo first post on the new forum!

 

i found this while browsing a thread on trucknet

 

Class 47 as a stationary generator!

 

scroll down the page, a class 47 devoid of bogies used a standby generator!

 

Dave

[bennyboy]

Weren't some the class nicknamed Generators? And what were you doing on a truck site, you traitor!

[english electric]

that is correct the first 20 class 47s were known as generators D1500 to D1519 aka 47401 to 47420

 

a class 47 was also used as a generator devoided of bogies at a power station in the early to mid 80s during the miners strike if i remember correctly

[griffgriff]

I seem to remember reading that it was to be used as the power stations 'exciter' ... now there's a thing

[IC126]

There is a photo of the loco at West Thurrock power station in "The Power of the 47s" by Brian Morrison. Unfortunately the loco isn't identified.

 

According to the caption it was used not to generate power for the National Grid (directly), but to act as stationary exciter for the plant's turbo alternator, whilst the normal exciter underwent repairs. It was engaged at the power station for 4 months from January 1976 before returning to Stratford depot.

 

 

[5944]

47155 according to www.class47.co.uk

 

http://www.class47.co.uk/c47_zoom_v2.php?img=0822050000210

 

Still in use (occasionally) as 47815 for Riviera Trains.

 

A few details about its history at http://www.class47.co.uk/c47_numbers.php?index=2&jndex=4&kndex=14&s_loco=47815

[kryten65]

I'm guessing that it was removed from it's bogies at stratford before being roaded to the power station,

 

that'd be a different cameo on a layout!

 

"And what were you doing on a truck site, you traitor!" Because i've probably built more truck models that railway ones!

 

Dave

[Fat Controller]

There is a photo of the loco at West Thurrock power station in "The Power of the 47s" by Brian Morrison. Unfortunately the loco isn't identified.

 

According to the caption it was used not to generate power for the National Grid (directly), but to act as stationary exciter for the plant's turbo alternator, whilst the normal exciter underwent repairs. It was engaged at the power station for 4 months from January 1976 before returning to Stratford depot.

I have a vague memory (most of my memories are vague...) of either a 46 or 47 being used in a similar role at CEGB Willington in the Midlands, in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

The 'generator' nickname applied to the first 20 Class 47 refers to them having ETH generators fitted- the power station work would require them to use the main generator set.

[Guest Phil]

I have a vague memory (most of my memories are vague...) of either a 46 or 47 being used in a similar role at CEGB Willington in the Midlands, in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

The 'generator' nickname applied to the first 20 Class 47 refers to them having ETH generators fitted- the power station work would require them to use the main generator set.

 

45029 I believe from my also vague memory.

 

I'm also not to sure that 5029 and 47155 were the only locos temporarily used for this.

 

EDIT

 

Just googled it and found the answer on David Hill's excellent Derby Sulzers website.

 

45029 was withdrawn from service in January 1981, but returned to service a year later to Thorpe Marsh power station, in I believe a similar role to 47155.

 

http://www.derbysulzers.com/neswroute.html and scroll down to between Chesterfield and Clay Cross