NRM HST prototype 41001

From WNXX forum: "Old silencer had 35 years of crap in it! Replacement due in the next few months but we had to stop for a short while to let it calm down a bit. Was fine after that."

Richard

 

They were indeed wired differently to the production power cars, but as described last year this is no longer the case - hopefully allowing them to work together?

"Fitting these isn’t as easy as you’d think as we weren’t going back to what was in 41001 when we got it; the power car had this hybrid wiring that was part original prototype and part production HST. We have taken the decision to make 41001 as close to a production power car as possible to ease troubleshooting in the future."

Chris

 

Afraid there are no plans to take her mainline in the forseeable future as it lacks any of the safety systems such as TPWS/OTMR/GSM-R. The project is funded entirely through donations and unfortunately the sort of money you'd need to fit all that equipment isn't at our disposal.

 

It's never that simple unfortunately! Whilst it had been rewired to replicate a production powercar, we've subsequently discovered that it has it's original 110V/1000V Auxiliary Alternator fitted so isn't compatible with production HST electronics. Details of what it's got now and what's been done are in the blog at http://www.projectmiller.org.uk/?paged=2, but in effect it's now had to be reconfigured again to accept a new AVR (for 110V DC Auxiliaries) and modified Class 57 electronics for traction control. She still looks, sounds and smells like a Valenta should, but under the bonnet is a really rather modern set of kit!

Added bonus is that in due course we should have standard DC ETH rather than the 415V AC of an HST so more useful for a role on preserved railways.

Notwithstanding the above, other than not being able to provide train supply to an HST set, it should work perfectly fine in all other areas!

 

Too right, hearing it again, it's surprising how much I've missed the scream of the Valenta getting a good workout, the MTU are keeping them in traffic now, but just don't cause the same attack on the senses as the original power unit, this was only a few years ago, but notice the difference to a HST now:

 

I'm sure there are hidden layers of meaning in this statement, but I'm damned if I know what they are ...

Tom

 

Rock on Tom

 

Must admit I'm growing a bit fond of the Intercity Executive/Swallow livery, really suited HST and class 91 sets.

 

Turn the sound up:-

 

Oh yes, what music! I used to turn up early at Kings Cross when going to Uni just to sit and listen to them leaving, the only down side on travelling though was that awful smell when braking.

 

Sorry David, I didn't see #45