Advanced Passenger Train – APT-E
In 2017 Rapido Trains of Canada announced that they were planning a 4mm scale model of the Advanced Passenger Train - Experimental APT-E. This was to be a model of the 4-car gas turbine powered set that accumulated many successful miles on test around the BR network. I rapidly succumbed to the temptation to buy one, I felt it would be rude not to and, of course, it had to be the sound-fitted version! We had to wait for quite a while to receive the models but it was worth the wait. I was very surprised to see some being offered on eBay the next day for inflated sums!
The APT-E consisted of two driving power cars (PC1 and 2) and two trailer cars (TC1 and 2). Each power car was equipped with four Leyland 2S/350 gas turbines for traction, and there was a fifth for auxiliary power supplies. Two GEC 253AY nose suspended traction motors provided the traction on the leading bogies. The vehicles were manufactured from aluminium, approx 70 ft long, with articulated bogies between them.
The APT-E made its first run on 25th July 1972 from Derby to Duffield and was immediately ‘blacked’ by the drivers’ union ASLEF, due to concerns that the single driver’s seat pre-empted ongoing negotiations about the single-manning of trains. It was more than twelve months before it ran again on the main line, in August 1973.
The prototype was eventually tried out on the Great Western Main Line and achieved a new British railway speed record when, on 10th August 1975, it hit 152.3mph (245.1km/h) whilst on test between Swindon and Reading. It was also tested extensively on the Old Dalby Test Track and on the Midland Mainline out of London St Pancras, which gives me every justification for running it on my layout.
The unit was only intended for testing and was never used in ordinary public service, although it did carry office staff and the occasional dignitaries on trial runs. When its period of testing was complete, in June 1976, it was sent to the NRM at York for preservation. It is now based at the NRM in Shildon.
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