Angel's HSTs Go For Gold
17 May 2005
Angel Trains has unveiled the first of what could become a fleet of re-engined HST power cars.
The work was undertaken at Brush Traction Works. Two power cars have been fitted with MTU 16v 4000 engines as part of a £1.5m trial. 43004 and 43009 recently came off lease to First Group, giving Angel Trains and Brush Traction a unique opportunity to launch an ambitious project of engine replacement work in conjunction with MTU Friedrichshafen. Angel Trains plans to extend the life of its HST fleet a further ten years – until the HST2 comes into production.
The news was welcomed by passengers and staff alike. HSTs, many now thirty years old, formed the back bone of the much-admired InterCity network. Plenty of leg room and luggage space, plus manually operated doors, make them a firm favourite with rail passengers.
Both power cars go back to First Group and will undergo a six month test period. Performance of the new MTU power unit, the first MTU engine of this type to power a vehicle in the UK, will be closely scrutinised. Once a clear programme is in place for the procurement and introduction of HST 2 and performance data from the two power cars has been analysed, Angel Trains will announce a project upgrade schedule.
The news was welcomed by passengers and staff alike. HSTs, many now thirty years old, formed the back bone of the much-admired InterCity network. Plenty of leg room and luggage space, plus manually operated doors, make them a firm favourite with rail passengers.
Both power cars go back to First Group and will undergo a six month test period. Performance of the new MTU power unit, the first MTU engine of this type to power a vehicle in the UK, will be closely scrutinised. Once a clear programme is in place for the procurement and introduction of HST 2 and performance data from the two power cars has been analysed, Angel Trains will announce a project upgrade schedule.
Engineers will monitor engine noise, exhaust smoke, fuel and oil consumption, reliability and maintenance costs. The newly re-engined power cars are expected to deliver considerable benefits over the existing Paxman Valenta power units.