Time to re-create the first express electric loco?

IN VIEW of the ongoing replica builds of extinct steam locomotives, and with the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway coming up in 2025, consideration should be given to building a replica of Britain’s first electric express passenger locomotive, North Eastern Railway 4-6-4 No. 13.

As with the replica steam builds, it could use modern technology to create a ‘No. 14’, such as 25kV traction motors on the front and rear bogie wheels, and roller bearing axle boxes. The previously powered six centre wheels (using 6ft 8in ‘Pacific’ style castings, with replica quill drive attachments) could have plain straight axle sets fitted with roller bearings. The then relatively empty centre driving cab area could be used for any necessary supplementary electrical equipment or ballast weighting.

There would be no heavy forging needs, no high pressure boiler maintenance, no need for warm-ups, coal or watering facilities, boiler washouts, ash and firebox clinker, clean outs and disposal.

Construction would be in two stages: first a rolling chassis and body as

No. 14 for 2025 in NER passenger green livery; then installation of 25kV motors and supporting electrics to complete an operational locomotive. The NRM in York has the drawings for the original locomotive construction, plus detailed photographs of the construction of

No. 13 in the NER’s Darlington workshops at various stages.

With the ongoing construction of the replica LMS mainline diesel locomotive No. 10000, a replica of NER No. 13 would correct early follies of ‘committees’ in the past in not preserving two pioneering and historical locomotives.

Such a locomotive crewed by professional modern traction drivers could be used on the East Coast, West Coast, Great Western or Great Eastern main lines.

Dr Ing. Prof. FW Hampson Newcastle