REALITY CHECK
In the rush to replace steam during the 1950s and 1960s a number of different propulsion systems were proposed, with gas turbines being the least successful. A number of experimental locomotives were, however, built with one of the shortest lived being English Electric’s GT3, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES remembers.
Above: GT3’s time in service was short and it was rarely seen and photographed during its career. In 1961 the unique gas turbine prototype passes over Dillicar water troughs.
EVEN BEFORE THE SECOND World War, it had become obvious to railway authorities that the days of the steam locomotive were numbered. Poor efficiency, low availability and high labour costs weighed heavily against the external combustion engine, and as a result a search began for a more economical method of working trains. Electrification proved to be the most efficient method, but was very heavy on capital cost, while the widespread adoption of diesel engines was hampered by the lack of suitable power units in the higher horsepower ranges and was only of practical value in shunting engines and railcars.
With attention diverted to the war effort for a number of years, little progress was made but in the late 1940s…
