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British Rail 10100 facts for kids

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British Rail 10100
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-mechanical
Builder LMS, Derby Works
Build date 1952
Specifications
Configuration:
 ​
 • Whyte 4-8-4
 • UIC 2'D2'
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Leading dia. 39 in (0.991 m)
Driver dia. 51 in (1.295 m)
Wheel diameter 51 in (1,300 mm) driving,
39 in (990 mm) pony
Minimum curve 5 chains (100 m)
Wheelbase 41 ft 4 in (12.60 m) 41 ft 4 in (12.60 m)
Length 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m) 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m)
Width 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
Height 13 ft 0 in (3.96 m) 13 ft 0 in (3.96 m)
Loco weight 120 long tons (122 t)
Fuel capacity 720 imp gal (3,300 L; 860 US gal)
Coolant cap. 60 imp gal (270 L; 72 US gal)
Water cap. 500 imp gal (2,300 L; 600 US gal)
Prime mover Paxman 12RPH, 4 off
Transmission Fell central gearbox
Train heating Steam generator
Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures
Power output 2,000 bhp (1,500 kW)
Tractive effort 25,000 lbf (111 kN)
Career
Power class 6P5F, later Type 4
Nicknames Fell locomotive
Retired September 1958
Scrapped Derby Works, January 1960

The British Railways 10100 was a very special and experimental diesel locomotive. People often called it The Fell Diesel Locomotive. This nickname came from Lt. Col. L.F.R. Fell, who was one of its main designers.

This unique train was a team effort. Davey Paxman & Co, Shell Refining & Marketing Co, and Lt-Col L.F.R. Fell worked together. The London, Midland and Scottish Railway built it for them at Derby. Even Sir Harry Ricardo, a famous engineer, helped with the design.

When the locomotive was finished in 1950, the railway system in Britain had changed. It was now owned by the government and called British Railways. So, the locomotive wore the British Railways colours.


What Made the Fell Diesel Special?

The Fell Diesel was different from other trains. It had six diesel engines! Four of these engines were used to power the train and make it move. The other two engines were auxiliary engines. This means they helped the main engines.

How Its Engines Worked

The auxiliary engines had a special job. They drove the pressure-chargers for the main engines. A pressure-charger, or supercharger, helps an engine get more air. More air means the engine can burn fuel better and produce more power.

This clever setup allowed the main engines to create a lot of pulling power, called torque, even when they were running slowly. This was a very advanced idea for its time. It showed new ways that diesel engines could be used in trains.

Life and Retirement

The Fell Diesel locomotive was built in 1952. It was an important experiment to see how new engine designs could work. It helped engineers learn a lot about diesel power.

However, like many experimental machines, it didn't stay in service for a long time. It was retired in September 1958. Then, in January 1960, it was taken apart at Derby Works. Even though it was scrapped, its design helped future trains.

Images for kids

  • Duffield (near) Fell diesel geograph-2390450-by-Ben-Brooksbank

    The Fell Diesel south of Belper on a Manchester-London express

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