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As part of the initial trials, the train was brought to Old Dalby for some braking tests to be conducted. This was because the Sprinter DMU was not capable of being braked, as its electrically-controlled Westcode system was incompatible with the normal air-controlled brakes. Hence it was through-piped with the train's brake pipe and ran unbraked. The train ran at up to 60 mile/h on the tests and this was the ruling speed for the trip to Germany. |
On Friday 20th May 1988 the ensemble is pictured at the south
end of Stanton Tunnel heading towards Old Dalby
Author's collection |
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One of the match wagons ADB889015 in its distinctive livery stands outside the goods shed at Old Dalby. On the left is the Sprinter and on the right, one of the International coaches Author |
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The Class 89 poses for the photographer at the top of the Widmerpool straight at the head of the IVA88 special train. Author's collection |
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The locomotives posed at the south end of Stanton Tunnel - the class 47 was out of site Author |
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A close up of the locos headed by the class 89 Author |
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The opposite end of the train reveals the two BREL 'International' coaches. If you would like to see a few more pictures and some info about the 'International' Train then look here Author's collection |
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A view of the train at Old Dalby having completed
the brake tests. Author's collection |
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The class 89 heads the rake of three locos during re-marshalling of the train in the loop at MP 111¼, just to the south of the Control Centre. The train was being re-marshalled for the return to the RTC as it was always run with the locomotives at the head. Class 47 No: 47561 is propelling them Author's collection |
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The three locos sit in the sunshine awaiting the
rest of the train Author |
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Looking from the other direction the train takes
shape Author's collection |
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A close up of the class 89 Author's collection |
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The class 47 is about to haul the assembled train
off the loop onto the main test line. It will then propel the train off the test track onto the main line at Melton
Jcn. Author |
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The IVA88 match wagon B889015 restored in its
original BR livery at the South Devon Railway on 17th August 2008 Author |
The train left England on 23rd May returning on 17th June1988. For more details of its journey across Europe and back see the IVA 88 page on my 'Train Testing' site |