Recognition and Equipment information
10000





About a year prior to Nationalisation, the LMS announced they were keen to investigate the advantages of diesel traction, and were planning to construct two prototype locos. The prime mover was to be an English Electric unit able to develop 1,600hp, power for traction was electric, provided by a generator coupled to the diesel engine.
Construction of the two LMS prototypes was carried out at Derby Works where the first, carrying the number 10000 emerged in November 1947. The livery was black with silver waist height band, roof and bogies, together with the letters LMS mid-height on the bodyside. After No. 10000 was completed it underwent considerable testing at Derby, but on December 18 it operated to London for display to LMS officials at Euston. After its first day of glory the loco was returned to Derby where a number of adjustments were made . By mid-January 1948, No. 10000 was operating various main line specials and on January 14/15 worked from Derby to St Pancras, spending the night at Camden, before the following day working through to Manchester via Peak Forest. In February No. 10000 was released to general traffic on the Midland route.
The second of the build, No. 10001 was not completed until July 1948 emerging without the LMS bodyside legend. After this had completed essential tests it replaced No. 10000 on Midland services, this loco being called back to Derby Works for inspection. By September 1948 both locos were available for work and commenced driver training on the Euston Carlisle line, being allocated to Camden. From October 5 the 1.00pm Euston-Glasgow (as far as Carlisle) and a balancing 'up' service became their regular duty, working in multiple. Whilst powering the train during the second week of the month No. 10000 suffered a power unit failure which required Derby Works attention. Whilst this was being carried out No. 10001 was utilised on Midland line services from St Pancras. Between 1949 and 1953 the locos were either used singly or in multiple on a variety of St Pancras and Euston services, visiting Derby at various times for inspection and modification. During one of No. 10000's visits to Derby in November 1951 the LMS legend on the sides was removed and the then standard lion and wheel logo applied.
During March 1953 both locos were reallocated to the Southern Region at Nine Elms from where they were used on Waterloo-Bournemouth and West of England services. The locos operation on the SR continued until Spring 1955 when both were returned to the LMR. During early 1956 both were given classified overhauls at Derby and emerged painted in standard BR locomotive green livery. From then until their final withdrawal in March 1966 and December 1963 respectively, both operated on the LM at the head of freight and passenger duties. It must not pass without note that the EE power units used in these prototypes were developed and refined, and the design has seen use in many production BR locomotive, including the Class 40 and Class 50.



In immaculate condition, Nos. 10001 and 10000 still with its LMS body side branding make ready to depart from Euston on a demonstration passenger working in 1950. CJM Collection.