Duchess of Abercorn's Record Run
6234 was chosen for a test run which took place on 12th February 1939 between Crewe to Glasgow and return on 'Special Limited' timings, which equated to a 7 hour schedule for London to Glasgow. The load was 604 tons formed of 20 coaches, including the L&Y Dynamometer Car. The distance covered was 487 miles with only a two hour break in Glasgow. Shap and Beattock were climbed unassisted.
This test showed up some problems with steaming at high outputs, so a double chimney and blast pipe were fitted to try and improve this and the test repeated on the 26th February. On the outward journey operational problems were encountered, but it seemed that performance had been improved.
The return trip was made after the two hour turn round at Glasgow with Driver N. Mclean and Fireman A. Smith in charge. The train reached Carlisle 9.5 minutes early after climbing the final 2 miles of Beattock at a steady 63 m.p.h. equating to 2,282 drawbar horse power giving an estimated 3,348 indicated horse power.
At Carlisle Driver G. Garret and Fireman S. Farrigdon took over and accelerating up the 3.5 mile incline of 1 in 131 to Wreay a speed of 42 m.p.h. was obtained, giving a maximum output of 2,511 d.b.h.p. corresponding to 3,348 i.h.p.
The Official Test Report of the test concluded that 6234 Duchess of Abercorn had sustained 3,300 i.h.p. for five minutes with a peak of 3,348 i.h.p.
As a result of these tests all members of the class were fitted with double chimney and blast pipes at the next General Repair. |
