As soon as class 43s leave the railway scene

[Drsatan]

When the HSTs are finally withdrawn and a few head to preserved railways, maybe the MTU engine could be replaced with a Valenta, but I doubt Valenta engines are still in production . It would be great to see an HST restored to its original condition, say in WR 2+8 formation, since it could be used to its full potential as opposed to being limited to 25mph on some preserved railway.

 

[monkey]

^^yeah unfortunately valenta's aren't in production anymore, so doubt it would happen... unless someone has a shiny new unused valenta hidden in their garage somewhere?

 

[Daimler]

^^yeah unfortunately valenta's aren't in production anymore, so doubt it would happen... unless someone has a shiny new unused valenta hidden in their garage somewhere?

I believe (and I'm sure 43034 will be able to supply more details!) the 125 group already has various Valentas (and Marston cooler groups, which I have been informed also contribute to the distinctive 'scream' of the HST) stashed away, ready for a preserved set!

 

[43021HST]

^^yeah unfortunately valenta's aren't in production anymore, so doubt it would happen... unless someone has a shiny new unused valenta hidden in their garage somewhere?

I do.

'sarcasm'

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

The Valenta's were knackered though - there is only so much you can refurbish an engine that gets so much abuse... All in stock had had repairs to legs out of bed. FGW said it was a new experience to do an oil change on an MTU, Valentas just burnt it...

The Valentas were knackered as FGW knackered them. They ran them into the ground whilst PCs where going to be converted. And to show how strong some of them were, they still lasted! GW had to be more careful when the MTU was new, they didn't know if they could take the abuse and lack of care that the 12RP200L did. On the subject of oil changes, the only time FGW did an oil change on a Valenta was when it was installed otherwise they kept pouring it in.... Which isn't good practise!! :P

I believe (and I'm sure 43034 will be able to supply more details!) the 125 group already has various Valentas (and Marston cooler groups, which I have been informed also contribute to the distinctive 'scream' of the HST) stashed away, ready for a preserved set!

Yes Daimler, You are correct there. I believe (going from memory here) they had 12 Valentas at last count and about 8 Marstons..... They were selling some pistons from 43013s old Valenta (S206 for those who want to know) for £20 each. All gone now though!

Marston when idline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98NcuxLrKb0
Marston in motion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7haUvUi2nZk&feature=related

 

[Shrub Hill]

my interest has been rekindled after 14 years away, last time i went out, 86's were on the wcml, 60's had not been out long, 92's were still being made at loughbrough and slam doors were still operating around london, now a days its voyagers, units that all look the same, none of them are very comfortable to ride on unless you are under 5 1/2 foot due to leg room , i mean whats the point of going over the settle and carlisle line, one of the most fantastic rail journeys in the world, in a 158 with your only view being the head rest in front or the half a window to strain your gaze out of, 4 car units from one end of the country to the other , no diesel , no surprises when you go out except another 66, and yet while i stood on red rock at dawlish and watched all the trains majestically arc around the corner ( or squeel like a dying pig in the case of the pacers) it was magic!!!!

 

[Muppet]

The problem with most Railway Enthusiast is that they don't ever think about the other side of the stories.. Running Cost, Practicality etc, they just get to stuck up in err everything is going to be **** now Class (ad lib) has gone.

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

my interest has been rekindled after 14 years away, last time i went out, 86's were on the wcml, 60's had not been out long, 92's were still being made at loughbrough and slam doors were still operating around london, now a days its voyagers, units that all look the same, none of them are very comfortable to ride on unless you are under 5 1/2 foot due to leg room , i mean whats the point of going over the settle and carlisle line, one of the most fantastic rail journeys in the world, in a 158 with your only view being the head rest in front or the half a window to strain your gaze out of, 4 car units from one end of the country to the other , no diesel , no surprises when you go out except another 66, and yet while i stood on red rock at dawlish and watched all the trains majestically arc around the corner ( or squeel like a dying pig in the case of the pacers) it was magic!!!!

I disagree............



The S+C (Shut and Closed) is a crap line and even in Mk1s behind (Insert traction here) I still find it crap and dull....

 

[Techniquest]

Can't disagree really. Did it with 56312 last December, sadly at the back on the way north but happily at the front for Shap (). Nice and scenic the S+C is, but it's a helluva drag! Might be better with a 2+8 HST with all the right stuff fitted, at least that way no matter which end you're at you've got the thrash!

Daimler is partly correct, the Marston cooler groups do contribute to the scream effect, but the Napier NA256 turbochargers form much of the scream. There were some also power cars also fitted with SA-084 turbochargers, however I couldn't tell you which ones they were and whether the scream effect was significantly different or not.

43034 is also correct, FGW did run the Valentas into the ground. The infamous S352 was worn out by the nefarious policy of the time. Should anyone want to know why I pick on this Valenta in particular, one can only suggest you watch S352 Uncut, a DVD sold by the 125 Group. The first time I was shown that, my jaw aimed straight for the floor! I've had monsterous performances out of Western Valentas, but that was better than all of them at the time. To this day I rank it in the top 5 Valentas I've had the privilege of enjoying, right up there with S155, S444 and S482.

Someone on page 2 of this thread suggested the OP will enjoy the preserved set(s) more than he does with the frequent sights of the mainline sets still in use. I would disagree, I enjoy seeing a HST in use wherever I go, with a trip on one still being something special. All the way to Birmingham on Tuesday this week I couldn't wait to get there and get on 1V54 for a spin to Bristol and back. All the way to Bristol I enjoyed the journey and looked forward to the end of the 45 minute visit as it was another HST back to Birmingham. Was such a shame to get off, I'd have happily stayed on to at least York (where I'd have wanted to bail for a GC set instead) or even Edinburgh!

As for the OP's opinion, I agree to an extent. For some time I've said that once the HSTs are finished on mainline work then my time bashing on the mainline is over. That's when preservation will suit me. I may well keep an interest in all that is on the mainline, but it wouldn't be the same.

Until then, however, making the most of what is left on the mainline is certainly the agenda. Still trying to clear every power car for at least a thousand miles, which is still proving to be a difficult job, but I'll be damned if I don't manage it. Alongside that is the plan to get a photo of every power car running, although which ones I still need for phot-age I don't know yet.

So to the OP, I say make the most of it now and you'll probably not be the only grumpy ol' enthusiast when the end comes for regular mainline HST work!

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

Daimler is partly correct, the Marston cooler groups do contribute to the scream effect, but the Napier NA256 turbochargers form much of the scream. There were some also power cars also fitted with SA-084 turbochargers, however I couldn't tell you which ones they were and whether the scream effect was significantly different or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=zqViaXxbta0

Front PC has a NA256 and the back has an SA084. I'll leave it to you to make your decisions.....

 

[Techniquest]

Hmm, I still can't be certain if there's a hugely significant difference in the sound, although to be fair by the time 166 gets near the camera it's winding down. The NA256 is 178 is nice and clear mind.

Probably been far too long since I heard either turbo in the flesh for me to be able to tell the difference. An easier comparison would be the same pair both thrashing their nuts off out going out of Doncaster or somewhere where the station throat isn't so restrictive.

Never really been too good at picking out the subtle differences in audio before anyway!

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

Hmm, I still can't be certain if there's a hugely significant difference in the sound, although to be fair by the time 166 gets near the camera it's winding down. The NA256 is 178 is nice and clear mind.

Probably been far too long since I heard either turbo in the flesh for me to be able to tell the difference. An easier comparison would be the same pair both thrashing their nuts off out going out of Doncaster or somewhere where the station throat isn't so restrictive.

Never really been too good at picking out the subtle differences in audio before anyway!

I do admit Jules that it is hard to pick it out! Took me a few times along with seeing them in the flesh!

I'll have a search later on and try to show you something more distinctive!

 

[Techniquest]

I'd do the same, but I can't be arsed to dig out any earphones. And even if I did, I'd probably wake the lady of the house up with a bellow or three, which is not a good idea on a wet night!

Will try doing a search tomorrow now, no doubt you'll find better than me!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just watched a video of 43007 and 43184 leaving Darlington on YouTube, they both had a bit of a different scream to them but I'm not convinced.

184 was a helluva lot noisier than 007 when I had them to Glasgow last July though.

 

[37401]

had the S+C behind 20303 20304 20309 and 37423 In the snow back in Feb, was very hellfire I loved ever moment of it

 

[Daimler]

The S+C (Shut and Closed) is a crap line and even in Mk1s behind (Insert traction here) I still find it crap and dull....

Sacrilege!

It's not just about being on it though - I remember, just after Christmas last year, going to Ribblehead (the first time I'd ever seen it) and we arrived just as the Sun was dropping behind it - looking out over Blea Moor at the Viaduct was possible the most atmospheric thing I've ever seen - I was, almost literally, rendered speechless.

And this summer we spent a week cycling in the Dales - again riding up Dentdale with the S&C* on the left, before turning uphill and going below Dandry Mire (I think) viaduct - the railway in the landscape is so awe-inspiringly beautiful, it oozes atmosphere.

*as we did so a freight came past, going up to Ais Gill summit, the sound of the loco and wagons echoing round the dale - brilliant.

 

[2030720310]

had the S+C behind 20303 20304 20309 and 37423 In the snow back in Feb, was very hellfire I loved ever moment of it

Was very good wasn't it! Good fun in the Mk1s as well...

 

[25322]

HST's used to blast over Shap as though it wasn't a hill and yes those Valentas roared all along the WCML at one time in history