HS4000 prototype 'Kestrel' Profile and Models

HS4000 Kestrel was a prototype high-powered mainline diesel locomotive built in 1967 by Brush Traction, Loughborough as a technology demonstrator for potential future British Rail and export orders. It was painted in a livery of yellow ochre with a broad chocolate-brown band around the lower bodyside separated by a thin white line running around the body. Test runs were performed with both passenger and freight stock; the locomotive was primarily used to haul heavy freight trains - including a coal train of over 2000t weight. Following the fitting of its new bogies the locomotive was used on express passenger trains. On a London King's Cross to Newcastle service diagrammed for British Rail Class 55 ('Deltic') operation the unit was 14mins faster than required even though the new traction motors meant reduced power at the rail. The locomotive was sold to the Soviet Union in 1971 for £127,000. It was re-gauged to 1,520 mm, and tested on a circular test railway as well as being used on some parts of the Russian rail network. The remains of the vehicle are believed to have been scrapped in 1993.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

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