In the late 1930s the railways of Great Britain were beginning to experiment with diesel traction as a potential alternative to steam. Advances in diesel engine technology on the continent, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, had shown that internal combustion locomotives could offer cleaner, more economical running compared with coal-fired engines.
The London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) was keen to investigate whether such technology could be adapted to British conditions, and authorised the building of an experimental pair of main line diesels.
The resulting locomotives, numbered 10000 and 10001, became known as the “Twins.” Designed by H.G. Ivatt, the LMS’s Chief Mechanical Engineer, and built in partnership with English Electric, they were Britain’s first main line diesel locomotives. The first of the pair, 10000, was completed at Derby Works in December 1947 and ran its initial trials between Derby and St Pancras. Its sister, 10001, was completed in July 1948 after nationalisation, carrying the new British Railways livery.
Both locomotives were fitted with English Electric 16SVT diesel engines rated at 1,600 horsepower, driving a generator which supplied current to traction motors on the axles. This diesel-electric arrangement eliminated many of the mechanical complexities of steam and allowed smoother acceleration. The Twins could work singly, or be coupled together in multiple to produce over 3,000 horsepower – comparable to a large Pacific steam locomotive.
The units were extensively tested on express passenger services out of St Pancras, Euston and St Marylebone, as well as on heavy freight workings. They were capable of sustained speeds of 90 mph, rivalling express steam locomotives of the day, and their ability to run long distances without servicing proved the practicality of diesel power on Britain’s railways.
Although they remained prototypes, the experience gained from the LMS Twins was invaluable. Their performance directly influenced the design of British Railways’ first generation of main line diesels, particularly the English Electric Type 4 (later Class 40). In this respect, the LMS Twins were the pioneers that demonstrated the feasibility of diesel traction for express passenger and freight working in post-war Britain.
FEATURES
- Automatic Driver Change Ends
- Lamps, Lights and Disc Headcodes
- Wobbly Speedo and other gauges
- Working interior lights
- Sanders
- Headboards
- Simulated ‘Deadman’s’ Pedals with loco change-over valve
- Masterkey
- Custom traction motor and generator physics with cab indicators
- Custom exhaust effects
- Custom fan animation based on load/weather
- Custom Sounds
- Quick Drives
- 3 Scenarios and 1 Free Roam
- LMS No 10000 LMS Black Livery with LMS Logo
- LMS No 10001 LMS Black Livery with LMS logo (Fictional)
- LMS No 10001 LMS Black Livery with No LMS logo (per Prototype)
- LMS No 10000 BR Early Black Livery
- LMS No 10001 BR Early Black Livery
- LMS No 10000 BR Green with late Crest
- LMS No 10001 BR Green with late Crest
- LMS No 10000 Lined BR Green with late Crest
- LMS No 10001 Lined BR Green with late Crest
TECH DETAILS
- Power Type: Diesel-electric
- Unit Weight: 115 tons (each locomotive)
- Vehicle Length: 61 feet 6 inches over buffers
- Build Date: 1947–1948
- Power Output: 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) per unit (3,200 hp when worked in multiple)
- Total Scrapped: 2 (both units withdrawn 1963 and cut up 1968)
- Total Produced: 2 (Nos. 10000 and 10001)
- Fuel Capacity: 820 gallons per locomotive
PRICE £14.99
Buy NowScenario requirements: You do not need these items to use the loco, but some scenarios may require the following:
- Crewe = Holyhead North Wales DTG (Steam)
- Stainmore Route (Steam Sounds Supreme)
- Class 101 DMU DTG (Steam)
- Settle & Carlisle DTG (Steam)
- Just Trains Midland Main Line/Hope Valley (just Trains)
You must be logged in to post a comment.