No D7017
Livery-BR Blue
Built by Beyer Peacock ay Manchester in 1962.
First allocated Depot was 82A Bristol Bath Road
Withdrawn in March 1975
Technical Specification
Engine: Maybach MD870 V16 twin turbocharged and intercooled 87 litre diesel
Transmission: Mekydro K184 4-speed hydraulic gearbox
Weight: 73 tons
Length: 52 ft
Output: 1740 hp at 1500 rpm
BR Power Rating: Type 3
Speed: 90mph
Fuel Capacity: 600 gallons
Wheels: B-B
Tractive Effort: 49,000 lbs
History
Manufacturer: Beyer-Peacock (Hymek) Ltd, Manchester
Class: Class 35
Lifespan 1961 - 1975
Number Built 101
Role: Mixed traffic
The Hymeks were intended as a medium power mixed traffic loco, but were often rostered to deputise for some of the WR's largest steam locos on 13 and 14-coach trains in their early years. 101 locos were built up to 1964 and allocated all over the Western Region. They settled down to become a successful and capable fleet.
Introduced in 1961-4 the Hymeks careers were cut short by BR's standardisation with diesel electric types. The first withdrawals came in 1971, with some locos scrapped being less than nine years old. Full withdrawal of the fleet was planned for 1973, and a farewell tour, The Hymek Swansong, ran in September. Due to loco shortages, ten Hymeks soldiered on to 1975 when they were finally withdrawn. Of these, four have survived into preservation, our two - D7017 and D7018, D7029 with the Diesel Traction Group, and D7076 with the Bury Hydraulic Group.
Information on typical Hymek duites when in BR operation can be found here
Information supplied by Colin Girle
Some are of 7057 at Glos eastgate station and also at Standish jcn.
The others are of 7017 with the 'famous' vinyl numbers on the cabsheet and the loco is seen at Exeter St David's stabling point in 1973.
Other ones of 7017 are on the West Somerset showing the blue hymek at Minehead with DEPG logo on the side, and the other one shows 7017 at CH on (I think) the first day of through running from MD to BL. (note the bunting on the station buildings).
These are courtesy of the Ken Schiller Collection.
