class 43 HST
History and background
In the early 1970s, the british railway borard made the decision to replace its main-line express diesel traction. Financial limitations were tight, so mass electrification was not possible. As a result, a new generation of high-speed diesel trains had to be developed.
Experience with the high-speed Class 55 deltic locomotives had shown that a low axle weight was essential to avoid damage to the track at sustained high speed, and that high-speed engines were the only way to provide a good enough power/weight ratio for diesels. To power the HST at up to 125 mph (201 km/h), each power car had a new diesel engine, the 12-cylinder Paxman Valenta running at 1,500 rpm and developing 2,250 bhp (1,680 kW). The 70-tonne weight of the power car gave it a 17.5-tonne axle loading.
the operator
current
virgin train east coast
cross country
grand central
GWR
east midland trains
network rail
past
inter city
GNER
virgin trains
midland manline
national express
east coast trains
FGW
future
scotrail
Replacement
class 800 801 and 802
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