Class 44 query!

[rufuskins]

Hopefully this hasn't been asked before.

As I understand it the Class 44s were the precursor to the 45s and 46s, and initially were used on passenger duties. Following the introduction of the 45s and 46s they were 'relegated' to freight.

What I am wondering/asking is whether in their original use they weighed 138tes with a max speed of 90mph (max tractive effort = 70,000lb???), and when used on freight duties their weight reduced to 133tes with a max speed of 75mph (tractive effort = 55000lb)?

Ruf

[jbilton]

Hi Ruf
I would imagine the weight difference was due to the boiler and water tank removal.
Not sure if they were ever re-geared.
Cheers
Jon

[geezertronic]

If the limited information on Wikipedia is to be believed, it would concur about the boiler removals:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_44

[Crimpsal]

Hopefully this hasn't been asked before.

What I am wondering/asking is whether in their original use they weighed 138tes with a max speed of 90mph (max tractive effort = 70,000lb???), and when used on freight duties their weight reduced to 133tes with a max speed of 75mph (tractive effort = 55000lb)?

Ruf

You will find all the answers to your question here ............ http://www.derbysulzers.com/class44.html
(wiki is a bit sketchy & not to be trusted IMO)

[rufuskins]

The query was brought about because of trying to reconcile the data at The Railway Centre and the stuff on Wikipedia. The reference to the Sulzer site has pointed me in a useful direction, and I will now use the lower weight, tractive effort and 75mph maximum speed in my revised ENG files for the Class 44s.

Thank you for the help and suggestions.

Ruf

[rufuskins]

Hi Ruf
I would imagine the weight difference was due to the boiler and water tank removal.
Not sure if they were ever re-geared.
Cheers
Jon

meant to say that according to the Sulzer site they were regeared, and hence the reduction in maximum TE.

Ruf

[jbilton]

Hi Ruf
I would imagine the weight difference was due to the boiler and water tank removal.
Not sure if they were ever re-geared.
Cheers
Jon

meant to say that according to the Sulzer site they were regeared, and hence the reduction in maximum TE.

Ruf

Hi Ruf
Yes BR could do this to Locos, if their duties were to 'permanently' change.
The reduction in 'speed' might only be a 'paper' one though, to reduce wear and maintenance.
That is to say Locos are often capable of higher speed, than they are permitted to travel at.
The Class 44s were fitted with the earlier lower powered Sulzer engines.
Cheers
Jon

[Crimpsal]

Was at Nottingham for the "Last Farewell", SNOWDON in all her glory.
You'll have to excuse the blemishes, but these photo's are over 30 years old.