Type 1 Turkeys

Here we see, from slightly different angles, four of our Type 1 diesels in action, in and around the coal depot.

None of these four proved to be a great success on BR and, indeed, were considered a total failure and were all withdrawn quite quickly.

In the Coal Depot siding we see two Class 17s or Clayton Type 1s as they were also known.

These models, like all of those featured here, are by Heljan with the one in the rear being D8568 Ribble Cement, Catalogue Nº: 1706. 

This is actually a model of the only Class 17 (of the 117 produced) to be preserved and is currently at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway in Oxfordshire.
She was introduced in January 1964 and was withdrawn in October 1971.

In front of her is D8529, in BR Blue livery, Catalogue Nº: 17021.

The prototype of this model was introduced in May 1963 and withdrawn in December 1971. Sadly, though, unlike Ribble Cement, she suffered the same fate as the other 116 members of this ill-fated class and was cut up in September 1975.

On the main line, and hauling an NCB coach, doubtless full of workers for the depot, is Class 16, D8407, Catalogue Nº 1603.

The Class 16s were only 10 in number and were built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow.

Unfortunately these locos proved to be every bit as unreliable as the Class 17s and all were withdrawn in 1968.

Our loco was introduced in September 1958 and withdrawn exactly ten years later, in September 1968.

Sadly none of these locos survived into preservation

Finally we have a British Thomson Houston Class 15 at the head of a rake of TTA tank wagons.

Our model is D8239, Catalogue Nº: 1508.

These locos were very similar in appearance to the Class 16 and, in fact, both classes were fitted with the same Paxman 16YHXL engine.

The fleet of these BTH Type 1s numbered 44 and were only marginally more successful than the Class 16 with the problem, in both locomotives, being oil and water leakage, which would in time cover the engine room floor. This, and the general accumulation of dirt, leading to several engine room fires.

Our Class 15 was introduced in January 1961 and was withdrawn in March 1971.

Happily, D8233, a former Train Heating Unit, was preserved and, I believe, is currently being restored on the East Lancashire Railway.

This is the only Class 15 survivor.