Although many people think that BR’s Modernisation Plan was the start of the diesel era, there had been several attempts to introduce alternative traction prior to that, with one of the least successful being 10800, which was, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES relates, ordered before nationalisation.
In the years immediately following the end of the Second World War, all four of the UK’s railway companies required a considerable number of new locomotives to replace those that had been worn out during the conflict. Leading the charge was the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS).
Under the guidance of Chief Mechanical Engineer H.A. (George) Ivatt the company was introducing a number of improvements to steam locomotives but was also aware of the successful use of diesels, particularly in America. Ivatt wanted to obtain comparable data between diesels and the latest steam locomotives and for this reason he commissioned three main line prototypes. These were the 1,700hp ‘twins’ 10000/01 (HM55) and a solitary Bo-Bo of 827hp designed to be capable of taking over the duties of smaller tank engines and to be particularly useful for suburban duties, trip freights and branchlines. This locomotive was to become 10800.
Above: Whilst allocat…
