The APT-E, or Advanced Passenger Train Experimental, was a prototype gas turbine powered tilting train, built by the British Rail Research Division, and completed in 1972.
It contained numerous novel experimental technical features. The most famous of these was the tilt mechanism which allowed it to go round corners faster than a normal train.
Various tests and trial runs were carried out, and it was eventually tried out on the Great Western Main Line, and achieved a new British railway speed record when on 10 August 1975 it hit 152.3 mph (245.1 km/h) between Swindon and Reading.
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 National Railway Museum, York for preservation, and later moved to Locomotion at Shildon.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It was fascinating to see this train again. The APT-E was followed by three electric APT-P trains which ended as a rather sad failure, although tilting trains did later become (and still are) a feature of operations on the west coast main line between London, the north-west and Glasgow.
Casablanca, this isn't York, but the railway museum branch at Shildon, near Darlington. It is well worth a visit. Katharine feels quite well but is rather frustrated because she can't do very much. Spending so much time in hospital had it's effect on her fitness, so she has a very short walk each day to gradually build up her strength.
@fishers Ooh my mistake, sorry! Must make a visit that way with my boys sometime, they would love it.
Glad Katharine is improved so much. After my spinal surgery, I used to walk one extra lamp post every day along the road for a while. It didn't take that long to build it up to half a mile. The day I managed a whole mile again was..... well...... a milestone! I do wish her well. Every little does help. Consistent small walks will restore her steadily. Cheer her on for me xx
@casablanca Shildon is worth a visit. On the website there are three short walks to view places with a railway history link which look quite interesting. One of the buildings is todays photo.
Thank you for your encouragement for Katharine - she is slowly improving.
Ian
March 7th, 2020
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Wish they would build something like this in our country, we are still 200 years behind
How is Katharine now? Do send her my love and best wishes.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It was fascinating to see this train again. The APT-E was followed by three electric APT-P trains which ended as a rather sad failure, although tilting trains did later become (and still are) a feature of operations on the west coast main line between London, the north-west and Glasgow.
Casablanca, this isn't York, but the railway museum branch at Shildon, near Darlington. It is well worth a visit. Katharine feels quite well but is rather frustrated because she can't do very much. Spending so much time in hospital had it's effect on her fitness, so she has a very short walk each day to gradually build up her strength.
Ian
Glad Katharine is improved so much. After my spinal surgery, I used to walk one extra lamp post every day along the road for a while. It didn't take that long to build it up to half a mile. The day I managed a whole mile again was..... well...... a milestone! I do wish her well. Every little does help. Consistent small walks will restore her steadily. Cheer her on for me xx
Thank you for your encouragement for Katharine - she is slowly improving.
Ian