FROM THE RM MARCH/APRIL 1948

“THE first single-unit 1600hp main line dieselelectric locomotive to go into service in Great Britain has completed its first trial runs. These took place on January 14 and 15 when the locomotive No. 10000, drawing a 12-coach train of 393tons tare on the St Pancras-Manchester route of the London Midland region, completed its journeys ahead of schedule. In due course, when the second unit No. 10001 has been built, the new 3200hp double-unit will compete with the latest type of steam locomotive on the Euston-Glasgow main line.

“To give the widest scope to the experiment, the layout of the diesel was considered with special care, so that it could be tried out on a range of traffic duties, each with a driving cab at both ends. The diesel was designed by

HAWTHORNE COLLECTION No. 10000 leaves St Pancras in January 1948 on a test run to Manchester via Derby.

H G Ivatt, CME of the former LMSR, and the English Electric Company was responsible for the diesel engine and electrical equipment.”