With all the DC Traction about I am amazed there is not more talk about getting something going to use them before they all rot away!
The EM2 Society some years back made a sealed bid of £16,000 to Eurostar for one of their 5 Nightstar Gen Vans, which have an output of 1500V dc at 550amps, fed from 2 X Cummins 500HP diesel generator sets. We lost our bid to DRS who later had no interest in there re-sale.
Currently these are at:
17 July 2009, 13:11:14
Told that 96372,3,4,5 are the ones moving to Wolverton - believed to be donating their bogies to DRS. 96371 is staying at Alstom Wembley for the time being.
17 July 2009, 21:13:19
96374 and 96375, plus one Unidentified, visible at Wolverton works this afternoon.
These vehicles would power ELECTRA from a standing start easily to 25mph, on the flat GCR we were told by Eurostar engineers 70mph would be possible with 1 X Gen Van & 3 Mk3's in tow.
10 years ago this was a 'Big Project' for the EM2 Society, today its a No,No! To old and too few willing members.
What we needs is someone to ask Pete Waterman or similar to get involved, we need contacts with DRS at a high level and some one with cash! and a bit of clought!!!
Many safety issues re high voltage jumper cables to overcome re HSE regulations, but all very feasable! Time, Hands and Hard cash required, the gen van could even be plugged into a 'Demonstration overhead line' for real running!!!!!
The EM2 Society would happily get involved, we have the loco!, The NRM has one too, if you stepped down the voltage you could have 750V DC for Southern stock & a Class 71.
We were told the 306 unit could easily be reconverted back to 1500V dc, if that was true, what a demonstration line!
We would love to be involved! Charlie Petty. EM2 Locomotive Society