The project

The project is inevitably a lengthy and complex engineering undertaking, but we believe it is entirely achievable. We have evaluated one of 10000’s direct descendants in diesel locomotive design, the BR Class 58. This study established the 58’s suitability as a basis on which to recreate 10000 and has confirmed many similarities between the two designs. Both types of locos were designed at Derby, and it is plausible that some of the design staff were directly involved with both locomotive types. Both designs were drafted utilising the same ‘backbone’ load bearing main frame construction principle. Bogie centres are almost identical, as is the distance between the cab bulkheads, and other critical dimensions.

Use of a Class 58 locomotive chassis will significantly reduce the time and cost of construction compared to a new build. It will also make possible the re-use of the mainframe, cooler group, and other parts towards a cost effective, maintainable and reliable core for the locomotive. 

The natural choice for bogies are those available from a BR Class 77.  This design is almost identical to those fitted to 10000 and 10001 D16/1 design. The bogies will fit the Class 58 chassis although some structural design work will be necessary since the Class 58 bogies design differs slightly from that of conventional locos. 

The English Electric 16SVT engine owned by the IDRS was originally built as a Rail Traction Locomotive power unit for a potential overseas order which was not confirmed. When English Electric received an order from the Ministry of Defence for standby generating sets, the engines already built were reallocated to the government order. The unit was kept indoors and serviced regularly although it ran very low hours before sale to us, so it is almost as good as new! 

The 16SVT engine and 58022 are now both based at Wirksworth on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. 

As a volunteer led project, completion of 10000 depends entirely on volunteer hours and donations. The Society has so far attracted over £60,000 in donations and owns the 16SVT power unit and class 58 locomotive outright.   Stripping 58022 to its chassis and bogies is the next large task and began in 2020, after which any unrequired parts will be sold or scrapped.  

Much technical planning has been undertaken by dedicated volunteers, taking thousands of hours. The process of construction begins with a period of collecting the necessary key components and drawings, which although not visually appealing, is a necessary preliminary stage before construction begins properly. Although a lot of work was going on in the background, the society did not always appear very active publicly. However, in 2017 additional members and trustees came on board, renewed the public face of the Society and invigorated fundraising.