I recommend anyone interested in finding out more about the Experimental Advanced Passenger Train, also known as 'APT-E' or 'E-Train', should visit www.APT-E.org which contains a large amount of photographs and information, including how to join the APT-E Conservation & Support Group at Locomotion the NRM at Shildon. |
Gas-turbine powered, four-car (PC1, TC1, TC2 and PC2) articulated Advanced Passenger Train Experimental (APT-E) made its first proving run to Duffield on 25 July 1972.
Incorporating hydrokinetic brakes, articulated bogies, hydraulic tilt equipment and aluminium alloy vehicle shells, it completed test runs between Swindon and Reading achieving a speed record of 152.3mph and from London St. Pancras to Leicester covering the distinctly curved route of 99 miles in just 58½ minutes.
Never intended for passenger service, the APT-E was more of a mobile laboratory where engineers could register every parameter of suspension, traction, aerodynamics, braking, vehicle structure and ride characteristics for measurement and analysis.
Advanced Passenger Train - Experimental 'The Aerospace Train' an article by Bill Gunston originally published in Flight International 19 October 1972.
At 10:48 on 11 June 1976 the APT-E was delivered, under its own power, to the National Railway Museum, York having completed 23,559 miles during testing. The APT-E is part of the National Railway Collection and is displayed at Locomotion the NRM at Shildon.
The first meeting of the APT-E Conservation & Support Group at the NRM in York on 1st April 2000.
APT-E air horns recorded by Paul Leadley, founder of the APT-E Conservation & Support Group.
Advanced Passenger Train - Experimental
British Rail - Derby
The world's first self-propelled active tilting train and the first to use computer designed wheelsets and active suspension to eliminate hunting.
Powered by ten 350hp British Leyland gas turbines the APT-E set the British speed record for non-electric traction of 152.3mph in 1975.
Design principles of tilting trains in use today can be traced back to the APT-E.
Friday 24 May 2013
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