MkIII Coach M12140 at Darlington 31 Oct-1987 - SIG Bogie Test Train
The full test train formation was - 43102 + 44090 + 42317 + 12140 + 44101 + 43159. The reason for the tests was the ride and stability trials of the prototype SIG (BT41) bogies, that would eventually be fitted to the MkIV coaches.
The picture is at Darlington 31st October 1987 when initial tests up to 125 mile/h were carried out. The following day 1st November 1987 saw test running between York and Darlington, taking speed up in 5 mile/h steps above 125 mile/h to confirm the stability up to 145 mile/h. In fact during one run the speed attained was slightly higher, and we achieved what became a diesel speed record of 148 mile/h over a measured mile on a southbound run between Darlington and York, with an absolute maximum recorded of 148.5 mile/h just south of Northallerton.
Read more in my RAIL VEHICLE TESTING book - ISBN-9781999935603, about the preparations and tests associated with the SIG BT41 (MkIV Coach) bogies during which the World Diesel Speed record was achieved. 148 mile/h over the measured mile and 148.5 mile/h maximum, on the 1st Nov 1987.
© Dave Bower - Rail Vehicle Testing
MkIII Coach M12140 at Darlington 31 Oct-1987 - SIG Bogie Test Train
The full test train formation was - 43102 + 44090 + 42317 + 12140 + 44101 + 43159. The reason for the tests was the ride and stability trials of the prototype SIG (BT41) bogies, that would eventually be fitted to the MkIV coaches.
The picture is at Darlington 31st October 1987 when initial tests up to 125 mile/h were carried out. The following day 1st November 1987 saw test running between York and Darlington, taking speed up in 5 mile/h steps above 125 mile/h to confirm the stability up to 145 mile/h. In fact during one run the speed attained was slightly higher, and we achieved what became a diesel speed record of 148 mile/h over a measured mile on a southbound run between Darlington and York, with an absolute maximum recorded of 148.5 mile/h just south of Northallerton.
Read more in my RAIL VEHICLE TESTING book - ISBN-9781999935603, about the preparations and tests associated with the SIG BT41 (MkIV Coach) bogies during which the World Diesel Speed record was achieved. 148 mile/h over the measured mile and 148.5 mile/h maximum, on the 1st Nov 1987.
© Dave Bower - Rail Vehicle Testing