HS4000 prototype 'Kestrel' Profile and Models
HS4000 at Barrow Hill in September 1971. ©Phil Sangwell
HS4000 Kestrel was a prototype high-powered mainline diesel locomotive built in 1967 by Brush Traction, Loughborough as a technology demonstrator for potential future British Rail and export orders. It was painted in a livery of yellow ochre with a broad chocolate-brown band around the lower bodyside separated by a thin white line running around the body. Test runs were performed with both passenger and freight stock; the locomotive was primarily used to haul heavy freight trains - including a coal train of over 2000t weight. Following the fitting of its new bogies the locomotive was used on express passenger trains. On a London King's Cross to Newcastle service diagrammed for British Rail Class 55 ('Deltic') operation the unit was 14mins faster than required even though the new traction motors meant reduced power at the rail. The locomotive was sold to the Soviet Union in 1971 for £127,000. It was re-gauged to 1,520 mm, and tested on a circular test railway as well as being used on some parts of the Russian rail network. The remains of the vehicle are believed to have been scrapped in 1993. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Electric |
Builder |
Hawker Siddeley at Brush Traction |
Build Dates |
1967 |
Total Built |
1 |
Tractive Effort |
100,000 lbf |
Power Output |
4,000 hp |
Top Speed |
110 mph |
Wheel Configuration |
Co-Co |
Operated By |
British Railways Soviet Railways |
Main Duties |
Mixed traffic |
In Service Until |
1971 (BR) |
Surviving Examples |
0 |
Products awaiting categorisation
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Q Kits | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
KB113 View |
Hawker Siddeley Brush HS4000 "Kestrel" prototype - built from Q kits kit | Awaiting Categorisation | |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Silver Fox | Requires assembly | Not set |
HS4000SF View |
Hawker Siddeley Brush HS4000 "Kestrel" prototype diesel electric loco - Resin Body Kit | Awaiting Categorisation |