Recognition and Equipment information
10100





In the months just after Nationalisation in 1948 the LMS received permission to build a diesel-mechanical locomotive for main-line trials. Design and building was effected at Derby Locomotive Works, with a transmission system developed by Lt Col L.F.R. Fell. The prototype soon became known as the 'Fell' locomotive and incorporated some novel features.
The 'Fell' was propelled by four 500hp Paxman engines which drove the two intermediate axles of the four coupled main set. The four engines, each coupled to a common gearbox by fluid couplings, 'started' at differing road speeds; between 0-6mph only No.1 engine was used; between 7-17mph engines Nos. 1 and 2 were used; for speeds between 18-24mph three engines operated and for speeds above 25mph four power units developing the full 2,000hp were used. Unlike conventional practice the four power units were housed in the nose or bonnet part of the locomotive, with the fluid couplings and gearbox housed in the main body section. In addition to the four main power plants two further 150hp engines provided for auxiliaries and train heating power.
The 'Fell' loco, given the number 10100, emerged in July 1950 but was the subject of extensive testing, and did not commence main-line operation until January 1951. Even then it was only light engine and empty stock moves in the Derby area. In May 1951 the loco was hauled to London and displayed at Marylebone, returning to Derby the following day where extensive modification and further testing took place. By autumn the machine was operating St Pancras-Manchester services but often made visits to Derby Works for attention. In 1954 No.10100 suffered a major failure and lay in Derby Works for the next year before being repaired. After return to operation it was used for performance tests over the Settle & Carlisle route, which apparently proved successful. From 1955 'Fell' returned to St Pancras-Manchester line where its reliability was reasonable but still frequent visits had to be made to Derby. On October 15, 1958 after arriving on a St Pancras service No.10100 caught fire at Manchester Central and was severely damaged. 'Fell' was stored at Derby and eventually cut up in 1960. The livery of the 'Fell' locomotive was black with silver lining until 1955 when repainted at Derby Works in standard locomotive green with centrally positioned crests.



No. 10100 is seen at Manchester just a few weeks prior to the fire which ended its operation. The rather odd looking loco with a cab which offered very limited view of the line ahead, was fitted for steam heating and vacuum train braking. CJM Collection.