Wr Diesel Hydraulics

The WR diesel hydraulic locomotives have always exercised a special fascination for the modern traction enthusiast. One of the most interesting aspects of their history was the wide variety of different color schemes they appeared in. With over 150 images, it is an invaluable reference for all fans of the glory days of diesel locomotives.

When British Railways initiated its Modernisation Plan in 1955, its Western Region elected to trial locomotive designs with hydraulic transmission whilst BR encouraged designs with electric transmission. The Western Region felt that the lighter weight of 78 tons for a diesel hydraulic locomotive producing 2000 hp, compared to an equivalent weight of 132 tons for a diesel electric locomotive producing 2000 hp, would better meet BR’s requirement for a modern locomotive. BR’s failure to follow up with its declared policy of having all freight vehicles fitted with brakes saw operators preferring the heavier diesel electric designs which proved more able to operate trains without through brakes at higher speed. The greatest concern was with operating costs whereby the Western Region policy of replacing components at the depot then transferring them to Swindon for repair incurred heavy costs that were reflected in the maintenance cost per locomotive. Given the smaller number of diesel hydraulic locomotives and the larger number of diesel electric locomotives it was little surprise that by the mid-1960s a cost comparison showed that the build and operation of diesel electric locomotives was increasingly cheaper over the long term. Furthermore the increased availability of diesel electric locomotives released by a combination of factors provided an opportunity to replace the diesel hydraulic fleet, which was withdrawn from service during the 1970s. The preservation of redundant locomotives was slow but once it was confirmed, by the preservation of ‘Hymek’ Class 35 D7017 in 1975, that public appeals could quickly fund the preservation of withdrawn examples further public appeals followed. In a short space of time 31 locomotives from a mixed fleet of 358 locomotives entered preservation to remind both enthusiasts and the public of a concept (i.e. hydraulic transmission) that had had much to offer but had been dismissed on questionable financial grounds.

The Western Region of BR decided to be distinct from other parts of the network by using diesel-hydraulic locomotives to replace steam traction. Now, more than thirty years after the last of the Western Region diesel-hydraulic classes was withdrawn from service, interest in the various types remains strong and is growing. In all, the Western Region acquired more than 350 diesel-hydraulics. This new color album features a selection of diesel-hydraulic types in operation across the whole WR network, and focuses on the less-familiar classes?the Hymeks and the Classes 14 and 22. The choice and selection of photographs is key in these photographic portraits, and all enthusiasts will be delighted with the fantastic array of unpublished images. It is ideal for diesel enthusiasts and for anyone modeling the Western Region.

The British Railways ‘Pilot Scheme’ orders of 1955 included six North British Type 2 diesel-hydraulic locomotives, these being introduced during 1959 for use on the Western Region. Without operational experience, a further fifty-two locomotives were delivered between 1959 and 1962. The fleet survived intact until 1968, when half of the class was withdrawn due to declining traffic levels across the UK, with successive National Traction Plans progressively selecting the less successful, non-standard and ‘numerically-challenged’ classes for removal from traffic. All fifty-eight locomotives were withdrawn by New Years Day, 1972. This book, the second of two, builds on the overview of the class provided in Volume 1, and makes extensive use of available archive material and the personal observations of numerous enthusiasts. Previously unpublished information, covering the performance issues of these locomotives, form a central focus, together with details of fire incidents and accidents. Liveries and detail differences are given in-depth treatment to illustrate that there really were reasons and a logical progression behind the complicated series of design modifications applied to the Class. Volume 2 concludes with sections on storage, withdrawal and final disposal.

The British Railways ‘Pilot Scheme’ orders of 1955 included six Type 2 diesel-hydraulic locomotives built by the North British Locomotive Co., these being introduced during 1959 for use on the Western Region. Without operational experience, a further fifty-two locomotives were delivered between 1959 and 1962. The fleet survived intact until 1968, when approximately half of the class was withdrawn as a result of declining traffic levels across the UK, with successive National Traction Plans progressively selecting the less successful, non-standard and ‘numerically challenged’ classes for removal from traffic. All fifty-eight locomotives were withdrawn by New Years Day, 1972. This book, the first of two, sets the scene surrounding the short history of the Class 22s covering the introduction of the fleet, technical aspects, appearance design, delivery and acceptance testing, works histories and allocations. Detailed individual histories of each of the fifty-eight locomotives are included.

An in-depth look at the British railway company’s celebrated class of steam locomotives, with more than three hundred photos. Built by Collett in 1927 after pressure to restore the Great Western Railway’s pre-eminence in motive power and cope with increasing postwar traffic to Devon and Cornwall holiday resorts, the thirty Kings were the final development of the Churchward Stars and the 1923 Castles and remained on top-link main line duty until their final replacement by the ‘Western’ class 52 diesel hydraulics in 1962. This book includes an insight into the thinking of some of Collett’s senior staff at the end of the 1930s and the eventual transformation in the latter years with redraughting and double chimneys. As well as describing their design and construction, the book comprehensively covers their operation and performance, backed up by many recorded logs on all main GW/WR routes over which they were permitted. The author had close experience of the class when working at Old Oak Common between 1957 and 1962, and includes a chapter of his experiences with them, including many footplate trips (as a management trainee, he was greeted with glee by firemen who would hand him the shovel). The book also includes over 300 photographs, one hundred of them in color.

Through ten editions, Fox and McDonald's Introduction to Fluid Mechanics has helped students understand the physical concepts, basic principles, and analysis methods of fluid mechanics. This market-leading textbook provides a balanced, systematic approach to mastering critical concepts with the proven Fox-McDonald solution methodology. In-depth yet accessible chapters present governing equations, clearly state assumptions, and relate mathematical results to corresponding physical behavior. Emphasis is placed on the use of control volumes to support a practical, theoretically-inclusive problem-solving approach to the subject. Each comprehensive chapter includes numerous, easy-to-follow examples that illustrate good solution technique and explain challenging points. A broad range of carefully selected topics describe how to apply the governing equations to various problems, and explain physical concepts to enable students to model real-world fluid flow situations. Topics include flow measurement, dimensional analysis and similitude, flow in pipes, ducts, and open channels, fluid machinery, and more. To enhance student learning, the book incorporates numerous pedagogical features including chapter summaries and learning objectives, end-of-chapter problems, useful equations, and design and open-ended problems that encourage students to apply fluid mechanics principles to the design of devices and systems.