British Railways #6 Trivia Quiz

Answer: 512

The Class 47 was the most numerous class of BR mainline locomotive, although by 1993 there were only around 350 remaining.

Answer: police

This locomotive was originally 37509 until it was painted in a livery resembling a police car, given a flashing light and renumbered 37093. This was done for a police show (does anyone remember the name?) and actually "chased" another train, attempting to pull it over! The livery was supposed to "wash off", but British Rail found out that it wouldn't, so for quite a while, this locomotive patrolled the BR network in this livery. Loco 47829 was also given a similiar livery. To view 47829, go to:

47829: http://www.thejunction.free-online.co.uk/class47/47829.jpg

Answer: The locomotives have been stripped and are used to haul motors.

These locomotives (now numbered 025031 and 025032) have had their roof, sides and internal mechanisms removed and haul locomotive engines from location to location, though they are nothing more than wagons. For pictures, go to:

http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/pix/gb/diesel/37/37_0/025/pix.html

Answer: Class 37

The Class 37s are still a major workhorse on the rail network, even though they were produced over forty years ago. Very few of this class have been retired except for accidents or damage.

Answer: A Class 25 locomotive used to provide Electric Train Heating for Class 37 hauled sleeper trains in Scotland.

When BR replaced old sleeping cars with MK3 sleepers on its Scotland-bound (Fort William) Intercity sleeper trains, there was a slight problem with the idea. Since the route was not electrified and had weight restrictions, Class 47s and electric locos with Electric Train Heating could not be used.

The Class 27 locomotives were considered to replace the steam-heat Class 37s, but these were truly life expired and had even had a number of fires. It was decided that until Class 37/4s (Class 37s with ETH equipment) could be rebuilt at Crewe, Class 25 locomotives would be hooked to the rear of each train to provide heat.

These locomotives would not be in running condition. The "ETHEL"s were finally replaced in 1983 when the Class 37/4s arrived.

Answer: True

London has always connected Holyhead via the West Coast Mainline and the North Wales Mainline. However, in the late 1980s, when the Class 47 hauled trains were removed (it was too expensive to run a train to Crewe under electric power and change to diesel for the run to Holyhead), Holyhead almost lost its link, although BR decided to bring in Intercity 125 sets to replace these trains that run directly with London, unlike neighboring Blackpool which has lost its link. Virgin still runs these services.

Answer: The Tyne Valley Line

The Tyne Valley Line, between Newcastle and Carlisle, follows the route of the wall through the Tyne Valley (hence the name). It is currently worked by Northern Spirit Trains and is considered one of Britain's most scenic railways.

Answer: Great Western Railway

The GWR originally adopted the 7 1/4 gauge contrary to most railways because it provided more stability and higher running speeds for trains. However, as competition grew and railways began sharing lines, this was found to be impractical, and even though a third rail to standard gauge was laid, it was decided to eventually go over to standard.

The standard gauge of 4 ft., 8 1/2 in comes from the width of Roman chariot wheels.

Answer: Class 46

Number 46009, with three MK1 coaches, met its end by being crashed into a nuclear flask that was placed across the railway. This was a spectacular show and was shown on British television. Supposedly, the crash was so violent, the diesel engine was launched from the locomotive. To see a short clip of the crash, go to:

http://www.typetwo.fsnet.co.uk/od1b.html

Answer: Asfordby

The Old Darby Test Track, which runs between Milton Mowbray and Edwalton (13 miles), originally had its HQ at Old Dalby, but this changed when Alstom leased it. This was the site of numerous tests for British Rail, including the nuclear flask test, the APT-E and the Pendolino tests for Alstom and Virgin. For more information and history, check out:

http://www.old-dalby.com/