ian_nl2014
EX-BR 18000 + SNCF BB16685, ÜBERHERRN, GERMANY
In October 1972 Test Vehicle 18000 is being prepared in Überherrn, Germany for adhesion trials with SNCF locomotive BB16685 on the French-German border in the Saar Region.
18000 was originally a gas-turbine-electric locomotive, ordered in Switzerland by the GWR and delivered in 1949 to British Railways. When 18000 became surplus to BR’s requirements a proposal was developed by the International Union of Railways to convert her to a test vehicle to investigate the design parameters which influence the adhesion between wheel and rail.
In this connection 18000 was completely rebuilt in 1969 in the Bellinzona workshops of the Swiss Federal Railways. Almost all of the original technical equipment was removed from the body and from the bogies. One bogie (nearest the camera) could be fitted with various types of traction motor driving the middle wheelset. This facility required a major reconstruction of the bogie, and local remodelling of the vehicle body, leading to the ‘blisters’ on the underframe. The traction motor was fed by the equipment of another specially adapted locomotive, which ran in tandem. The choice of a suitable tandem locomotive made it possible to investigate the effect of different traction control systems and catenary voltages. Part of the original engine compartment of 18000 was occupied by the traction motor and mechanical transmission; the rest of the compartment was fitted out as room for the measuring equipment and for meetings of the test team. The international test team affectionately bestowed the name Elisabetta on their unique vehicle.
The tests of different technical configurations took place between 1970 and 1975. In the photo the SNCF prototype thyristor-controlled locomotive BB16685 is coupled to 18000, which has been equipped with a corresponding SNCF traction motor. The line from Wadgassen to Hargarten was chosen for these trials because it was lightly used and also could be switched to either the German or the French overhead supply system. The route has since been de-electrified and much of it has been closed to traffic. BB16685 was withdrawn from service in 2004. 18000 has been repainted in BR livery and is displayed at Didcot Railway Centre.
EX-BR 18000 + SNCF BB16685, ÜBERHERRN, GERMANY
In October 1972 Test Vehicle 18000 is being prepared in Überherrn, Germany for adhesion trials with SNCF locomotive BB16685 on the French-German border in the Saar Region.
18000 was originally a gas-turbine-electric locomotive, ordered in Switzerland by the GWR and delivered in 1949 to British Railways. When 18000 became surplus to BR’s requirements a proposal was developed by the International Union of Railways to convert her to a test vehicle to investigate the design parameters which influence the adhesion between wheel and rail.
In this connection 18000 was completely rebuilt in 1969 in the Bellinzona workshops of the Swiss Federal Railways. Almost all of the original technical equipment was removed from the body and from the bogies. One bogie (nearest the camera) could be fitted with various types of traction motor driving the middle wheelset. This facility required a major reconstruction of the bogie, and local remodelling of the vehicle body, leading to the ‘blisters’ on the underframe. The traction motor was fed by the equipment of another specially adapted locomotive, which ran in tandem. The choice of a suitable tandem locomotive made it possible to investigate the effect of different traction control systems and catenary voltages. Part of the original engine compartment of 18000 was occupied by the traction motor and mechanical transmission; the rest of the compartment was fitted out as room for the measuring equipment and for meetings of the test team. The international test team affectionately bestowed the name Elisabetta on their unique vehicle.
The tests of different technical configurations took place between 1970 and 1975. In the photo the SNCF prototype thyristor-controlled locomotive BB16685 is coupled to 18000, which has been equipped with a corresponding SNCF traction motor. The line from Wadgassen to Hargarten was chosen for these trials because it was lightly used and also could be switched to either the German or the French overhead supply system. The route has since been de-electrified and much of it has been closed to traffic. BB16685 was withdrawn from service in 2004. 18000 has been repainted in BR livery and is displayed at Didcot Railway Centre.