I’m not sure if this is a technical issue or true to life, but on NTP pulling loaded oil train 6M18 between Healey Mills > Victoria the BR Class 45, at max (10) power and generating around 2,800 to 2,900 amps (in the yellow zone of the amp meter) I only reach 25-27 mph between Huddersfield and the Standedge Tunnels. Should the amp meter ever be allowed to go into the yellow? Is this level of performance realistic?
Well, I tried the service with the 3 locomotives, the 45 passed the bridge at Marsden at 25mph indicated (so probably 25.5 or something like that), the 40 passed the bridge having just crept past 21.0mph and the 47 passed at 26mph indicated. The 45 then entered Standedge tunnel at 33mph, the 40 at 29mph and the 47 just creeping onto 34mph. So in conclusion no the 45 is not underpowered It is just a very heavy train at 1122 tonnes plus a 120-135 tonne loco on a 1 in 105 gradient.
