Class 47 'ticking' thing

[DBBR193303]

Why does the class 47 tick when the class 47's engine is off

 

[Ash Bridge]

The sound is produced by the locomotives drain cocks I believe.

 

[hexagon789]

Why does the class 47 tick when the class 47's engine is off

It's the Spirax valve, which removes water from the air system.

45s and 46s don't have this, they have a manual water trap, and it is one of the biggest sound differences among Sulzer classes.

 

[45076]

It's the Spirax valve, which removes water from the air system.

45s and 46s don't have this, they have a manual water trap, and it is one of the biggest sound differences among Sulzer classes.

we've fitted them to our Peaks

 

[Tynwald]

Spirex auto auto drain valves. Or fart valves as we used them.

 

[hexagon789]

we've fitted them to our Peaks

Indeed, I know a number of preserved locos have had them retrofitted for ease of maintenance, but they didn't have them in BR service AFAIAA - certainly not as built, so required periodic manual draining of the water trap.

 

[Sun Chariot]

The sound is produced by the locomotives drain cocks I believe.

And there was me thinking it's the timer counting down to its withdrawal.

Is that also the cause of the AL1-AL6's "ticks" whilst at rest? 85s and 86s ticking used to fascinate me, back in the 1980s.

 

[co-tr-paul]

Our 08s and 57s have them and 43s.

 

[hexagon789]

Our 08s and 57s have them and 43s.

So do scores of classes of multiple units as well; they are by no means unique to 47s and other locos.