British Rail GT3
GT3 was a prototype mainline gas turbine locomotive. It was built in 1961 by English Electric at their Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows to demonstrate its wares to British Railways. It was designed by Vulcan engineer J. O. P. Hughes and the project was started in the early 1950s. Externally, it resembled a steam tender locomotive. In the case of GT3, the tender carried diesel fuel.
| Gas Turbine 3 | |
| 300px | |
| GT3 at Leicester in 1961 | |
| Power type | Gas Turbine mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | English Electric at Vulcan Foundry |
| Serial number | Vulcan Foundry: D228 |
| Build date | 1958–1961 |
| Configuration | 4-6-0 |
| UIC classification | 2'C |
| Driver diameter | 5 ft 9 in (1.753 m) |
| Length | 68 ft 0+1⁄2 in (20.74 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 79.80 long tons (81.08 t) |
| Tender weight | 44 long tons (45 t) |
| Prime mover | EM27L gas turbine |
| Transmission | Mechanical: flexible drive from gearbox onto middle driving axle |
| Top speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) |
| Power output | 2,750 hp (2,050 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 38,000 lbf (169.03 kN) |
| Train heating | Steam generator |
| Career | British Rail |
| Number | GT3 |
| Disposition | Returned to VF 1962; turbine removed; scrapped T.W. Ward, Salford, March 1966 |
Related pages
- British Rail 18000 (GT1)
- British Rail 18100 (GT2)
