Derby RTC dead-load locomotives.

[musicindetail]

Hi all. I'm curious about exactly what the three former Western Region Diesel-hydraulic locos 832, 7076 and 7096 were used for whilst in RTC service.
Were they used in test trains to provide extra weight? Or were they placed on particular sections of track as a means of some sort of anchorage for the rails and sleepers while other tests were being carried out further down that piece of track? I've seen photos of the 'Warship' class 42 number 832 at Derby with what look like overhauled wheelsets, so my guess is that it was towed around quite a bit, but photos of it on the move have proved impossible to find. The two 'Hymek' class 35's are similarly rarely photographed at that time it seems.

My interest was sparked by being fortunate enough to see the two 'Hymeks' being towed through Bristol en route to Derby on the day they were removed from their storage sidings in I believe, St Phillips Marsh. What a state they were in after years of open storage.

Thanks for your time. All the best,
Tony.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Hi all. I'm curious about exactly what the three former Western Region Diesel-hydraulic locos 832, 7076 and 7096 were used for whilst in RTC service.

According to the 'Harris' allocation of diesel/electric locos, Vol 5 (which covers these classes) they were largely used for evaluation of how track responded, as new track technology was being tested, hence the Dead load (weight) and the wheel set scenario you mention, as the bogies will probably have been pivotal to any test equipment attached for testing. I came across them by chance stored at Eggington Junction in late '78, so was able to photo them there. A sorry sight they made.

 

[musicindetail]

Thank you Big Jumby 74, that's most interesting. Whenever I visited the RTC, the Warship was always stood in more or less the same spot which left me wondering if it ever actually moved! The two Hymeks were never present, presumably being based at the Old Dalby facility some miles away.
I always thought it curious that the three locos in question were brought such a long distance for this work when at the time more 'local' withdrawn engines were available. I guess the prescence of their hydraulic transmissions somehow suited their new roles.
One of the best photos I've ever seen of the RTC sidings was one where the Warship, a Hymek and the Baby Deltic 5901 are photographed together in one line. Probably the first and last time that combination was seen together! I remember thinking "If only the Metro-Vick and a Clayton were there too!

Thanks again,
Tony.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

The Derby RTC was a missed opportunity for me. Wish I'd known about it earlier than I did in relation to the locos present. Managed a snatched instamatic pic of D8598 from a passing train once, but never got to see D8512 or the Baby Deltic.
From the source I mentioned earlier it seems the two Hymeks kept each other company for most of their time under the RTC umbrella, where ever they were actually employed.

 

[Ashley Hill]

One thing I’ve always wondered was who drove the test trains? Did Derby drivers learn the 17s,23,28 etc? I did start a thread some months ago but received no replies.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

One thing I’ve always wondered was who drove the test trains? Did Derby drivers learn the 17s,23,28 etc?

No idea about those to be honest. My planning days revolved around SA and WD depots on the LSWR, and in latter times Portabrook drivers were used for most works trips etc that couldn't be covered in house. But these days (from what I have witnessed in passing) it seems Colas are involved in loco provision for many moves, and GB as well as I recall, but as for drivers? That side of things was not part of my remit so can't make any real comment.
Back in BR days, we did what was necessary of course on patch, but that's another story. I suspect the Derby RTC duties were under this format (Derby) as well perhaps. It may have been the case that DY had a small pool of drivers who may have been assigned to the RTC, possibly old school people who were no longer fit for main line duty, but were still deemed competent to drive? Just an educated guess!

 

[Rover]

That's a great picture Big Jumby I remember seeing them there, brings back the memories.

 

[musicindetail]

Indeed it is. At a recent Great Central Railway gala, D7076 and D832 were photographed together again (at Leicester North this time), both in immaculate conditon. Both saved thanks to the RTC.
Apparently, D832 was driven under it's own power to it's new home at the RTC back in 1972, the Western Region Driver, having been piloted on the LMR stretch.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Thanks.

 

[musicindetail]

A truly historic photo.

Thank you.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Here's Hymek 7076 at Humberstone Road, Leicester, where it was for a while in early Jan 1983, I think, en route to preservation. I got as close as I could from both sides. Wagon fans might notice the BSC Corby tube wagons in the 2nd pic!

 

[musicindetail]

Thank you for the photos and for the accompanying notes, I doubt we'll ever see another era with as much of Diesel related interest, as the period between 1972 - 1983

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Was never a great fan of the Warships myself, much preferred the Hymeks of the two types. Don't know why, just what it was. A closer view of (D)832 as it was on the occasion of my visit.

 

[Western Sunset]

Much weird and wonderful stuff appeared at the RTC, from old withdrawn locos to brand new rolling stock.
Not mentioned so far is 55015, which appeared there in the early 1980s for awhile.

 

[Trackman]

Not mentioned so far is 55015, which appeared there in the early 1980s for awhile.

It was on static tests.
A bit of mystery behind that, did it return to Doncaster or go straight into preservation.
It wasn't sold when it arrived, but a couple of months after.
Rumours about it being it the nuclear flask test train as well.

 

[Matress]

I went to Egginton Junction in October 1978 especially to view the hydraulics that were stored there. I had seen them from the train on a few occasions, a couple of times when one of the Claytons was with them too (I think it was 8512 or 8521), but the Clayton wasn't present when I visited. I then went back in May 1979 when only the warship 832 was there before it was moved to Derby when acquired for preservation, the Hymeks had been moved back to Old Dalby earlier that month as far as I know. I also visited Old Dalby around 1980 or 1981 and both Hymeks were there. 7076 was in the Control Centre compound with 7096 in a siding on the opposite side. Interesting times.

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Here's Hymek 7076 at Humberstone Road, Leicester, where it was for a while in early Jan 1983, I think, en route to preservation. I got as close as I could from both sides. Wagon fans might notice the BSC Corby tube wagons in the 2nd pic!

View attachment 176916

View attachment 176915

These are great photos capturing a most unusual traffic movement!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 Apr 2025 ==

The Derby RTC was a missed opportunity for me. Wish I'd known about it earlier than I did in relation to the locos present. Managed a snatched instamatic pic of D8598 from a passing train once, but never got to see D8512 or the Baby Deltic.
From the source I mentioned earlier it seems the two Hymeks kept each other company for most of their time under the RTC umbrella, where ever they were actually employed.

Great photo Big Jumby 74....would love to see more if you have any?