Paxman Valenta

Paxman Valenta
Paxman Valenta power unit with turbocharger and Brush alternator fitted
Overview
Manufacturer	Paxman diesels
Combustion chamber
Configuration	V12 four-stroke turbo-charged & intercooled diesel
Displacement	79 litres (4,800 cu in)
Combustion
Fuel type	Diesel
Output
Power output	2,250 brake horsepower (1,680 kW) at 1,500 rpm
Chronology
Predecessor	Paxman Ventura

The Paxman Valenta was an engine that was made by Paxman diesels for the HST (British Rail Class 43 (HST)), and is still in use in various marine applications, such as the Upholder/Victoria class submarine.

The engine as originally fitted to the HSTs was designated 12RP200L and was a V12 four-stroke turbo-charged & intercooled diesel unit of 79 litres which develops 2,250 bhp at 1,500 rpm. The design of the Valenta was based on the Ventura which was fitted to the BR Class 29 diesel locomotives, amongst others.^[1][2]

Replacement

Grand Central Railway Class 43 with Paxman Valenta engine.

Since 2005, Paxman Valenta-engined HST power cars have been refurbished with MTU16V4000 engines^[3](except power cars operated by East Midlands Trains which are fitted with Paxman VP185 engines). There is no longer a Class 43 power car still fitted with a Paxman Valenta engine.

Powercars 43084 and 43123 were the last two Valenta-engined powercars in service. They were taken out of traffic on 22 December 2010 after 4 farewell tours between York and Sunderland. They have since been fitted with MTU 16V4000 engines.

Restoration

In May 2011, it was announced that the 125 Group would return prototype HST powercar 41001 to service. The powercar was at that time on static display in the York National Railway Museum. It received a full overhaul, and was fitted with a reconditioned Paxman Valenta RP200L engine, Number S508, (installed new into 43153 in 2001 under Virgin CrossCountry, before re-installation to 43143 of First Great Western after a spell in storage), donated to the NRM from the MTU re-power programme.

On the 15th November 2014, 41001 hauled its first passenger train in preservation. Restoration and preservation work on 41001 continues.

Australian XPT

The engine was also fitted to the XPT of New South Wales, which was based on the HST power car design.^[4] 18 power car units were ordered, ^[4] and built in Australia, by Commonwealth engineering Granville. All 18 XP classed units are in service Like the HST, these power cars have since been re-engined with the VP185.

References