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CoBo

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Domeyhead

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DaveNewcastle

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Out of interest - what was the engineering thinking behind a bo-co wheel arrangement anyway?
Good question, and one that probably wouldn't even be considered in today's manufactureing culture which prefers the economic benefits of uniformity and standardised assemblies.

I believe that the only reason for the odd asymmetry of axles was to create an even and balanced distribution of mass. The heavier end (carrying the engine) had its load distributed over three axles and the lighter end with driving cab could put down as much force per wheel with just two axles.
The benefits of reducing the number of axles from 3 to 2 if possible are worth the inconvenience of the asymmetry.
 

GM078

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Has an asymmetrical wheel arrangement been used in any other countries? (on diesel/electrics that is, it's obviously quite common on steam locos!)
 

ACE1888

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Like the Class 15, the Class 28 is a 'Holy Grail' of Diesel preservation for me, the day the two are running again can't come soon enough, two relatively 'unsuccessful' designs but part of the overall history of the Diesel indeed. Best of luck to the Groups involved.
I find the 'lesser' known engines (especially 'One off prototypes) fascinating to say the least
 

PinzaC55

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In the case of the Cobo it was about the same weight as a Class 31 but had more power since all 5 axles were powered as opposed to 4 of the 6 on a 31. It also had unusually high acceleration due to it's small wheels and could take a tighter curve than a Class 20 for the same reason.
 

martin2345uk

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Was about to start a thread asking about this, but search and ye shall find!!

The 28 is my all-time favourite diesel (I think because of Thomas the Tank Engine if I'm honest).

I had no idea the repair works would be so extensive... up to 2 years until the poor thing gets put back on its bogies, and even that is subject to funding!

I really cannot wait for the day when we can watch this beast roaring down the ELR under its own power...

Sorry for this slightly pointless post!
 

caliwag

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HaHa...personally happy to read pointless threads. I 'm interested in the old metrovick as they were really rare where I spotted in Perth...except that, as a result of their, none too successful, Condor activities to Scotland (the first timetabled diesel working into Scotland!) they were used on the lay-over to Perth on the Heilan Piper freight...tended to be late evening and none too reliable timetable-wise either. But yes I saw a handful in Perth and have always been very keen to see/hear the East lancs one.

Mis-spent youth 'Waiting on the Condor'! Good name for a band...Snooker came later!!

So, how pointless was this contribution boys n girls?:roll:
 

martin2345uk

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Not pointless at all, I'm very jealous of people who saw them in actual service, I wonder if there'll ever be an N Gauge model produced...
 

PFX

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Quite an interesting thread as I wasn't familiar with this loco type although I am with the manufacturer.

We have an operational Metro Vic, a CIE A class. I only mention that because the link posted by the OP has a cab shot showing the 'unique' wheel power handle. This must have been a feature of MV as the CIE A and C classes both have the same arrangement.

Also shared with the CoBo was the engine, the A class originally having a Crossley HSTV8, but they were highly problematic and thus replaced with a General Motors unit (which is still going strong today). Externally though, you would never know the same company made them.
 

Crimson_Quiff

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HaHa...personally happy to read pointless threads. I 'm interested in the old metrovick as they were really rare where I spotted in Perth...except that, as a result of their, none too successful, Condor activities to Scotland (the first timetabled diesel working into Scotland!) they were used on the lay-over to Perth on the Heilan Piper freight...tended to be late evening and none too reliable timetable-wise either. But yes I saw a handful in Perth and have always been very keen to see/hear the East lancs one.

Mis-spent youth 'Waiting on the Condor'! Good name for a band...Snooker came later!!

So, how pointless was this contribution boys n girls?:roll:

I fail to see how this thread is 'pointless', tbh. It's started a discussion on a loco. This was a RAIL CHAT forum last time I checked! ;)


Anyway, in regards to D5705 - bring it on I say! Another one of those childhood dreams! When I was a kid, I was like 'I really wanna have a ride on that CoBo!'. I don't even know what one sounds like! Although I would love to see D8233 up and running again, I must say that the CoBo is at the top of my list of 'musts'!
 

carat 3.6 amg

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Has an asymmetrical wheel arrangement been used in any other countries? (on diesel/electrics that is, it's obviously quite common on steam locos!)

The new haven railroad had 60 EMD fl9 units, they had a wheel arrangement of: A-1-A BO.
 

Bevan Price

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Like the Class 15, the Class 28 is a 'Holy Grail' of Diesel preservation for me, the day the two are running again can't come soon enough, two relatively 'unsuccessful' designs but part of the overall history of the Diesel indeed. Best of luck to the Groups involved.
I find the 'lesser' known engines (especially 'One off prototypes) fascinating to say the least

I think the short life of Class 15 was due more to the disappearance of most of their work rather than poor design. Following the Marples-Beeching cutbacks, the need for medium power diesel locos diminished greatly, and with plenty of Class 20's available, non-standard classes, with fewer locos (such as Class 15) were the first to be withdrawn.
 

Prometheus

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Anyway, in regards to D5705 - bring it on I say! Another one of those childhood dreams! When I was a kid, I was like 'I really wanna have a ride on that CoBo!'. I don't even know what one sounds like! Although I would love to see D8233 up and running again, I must say that the CoBo is at the top of my list of 'musts'!


I'm with you 100%. My interest in the Co-Bo dates from the early 1960s when, as a child, I was given a Hornby Dublo layout with a Co-Bo, an A4 Pacific and an ex-LNER 0-6-2T plus rakes of tinplate coaches and wagons.

There was also the fine painting by Terence Cuneo of a Co-Bo hauling a "Condor" fast freight service. I think the painting was commissioned by BR; it was reproduced on BR posters and in magazine advertising at that time.

I never saw a Co-Bo in action but I was told that they sounded quite high pitched, a little bit like a Deltic, because of the two stroke engine.
 
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