The Polish switcher TKh2944

 

Here passing Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley

Railway we see rebuilt Polish engine TKh2944

Rebuilt at Cheddleton by the Churnet Valley

 Team. Now in excellent order and the Diesel

was to provide braking during these early

proving runs.

 

 

The history of this class of engine here by courtesy of

http://www.locomotives.com.pl/Freight%20Tank%20Locomotives/T3A.htm

 

Motive power shortages after WWII called for rapid production of virtually all kinds of locomotives, from heavy freighters to small switchers. The latter were necessary primarily for major industrial establishments; factories which had their own sidings needed simple and reliable engines designed for hard everyday service rather than for brilliant performance. Demand for heavier switchers was fulfilled by German OS (‘Oberschlesien’), built by Fablok since 1950 as T2D and commonly known as ‘Śląsk’ (Silesia). This 66-tonne locomotive, with the tractive effort of 12.7 tonnes and axle load of 16.5 tonnes, was too heavy and powerful for many operators, so lighter switcher was also needed.

In fact a design for such a machine was at hand. Between 1927 and 1929, Fablok built six light tank locomotives with factory designation T1A. These machines, which showed considerable influence of Austrian designs, were later developed into T2A, known also as ‘Ferrum 29’ – after the name of steelworks that first ordered this type. As technical documentation of the latter type fortunately survived the war, it was quickly decided to build it post war, with certain changes. In particular, new machines ran on saturated steam, were slightly lower, lighter by 1200 kg and their power was lower; diameter of drivers was also slightly reduced. But their tractive effort was enough to haul heavy drafts (even 1500 tonnes and more), they were simple, undemanding and reliable, and axle load was only 14.8 tonnes.

 There are I know many Polish ex pat people who came over to the UK after WW2 and of course many now under EU who would I am sure enjoy the sight and sound. Go and take a look at

                                                 http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/