HS4000 'Kestrel' bodyshell parts discovered, rebuilding project launched

nathanmallard

Well-known member
No, the title of this thread is not a joke!
As reported in a recent Rail Magazine and other preservation sources, a group under the name of BRCWCo have apparently, using sources in Russia, tracked down the remains of the prototype diesel locomotive 'Kestrel' which was exported to the Soviet Union in the early 1970s. This comes as a surprise to many as previously it was widely believed to ve been scrapped in 1993. Although no concrete evidence has yet been shown, if it's being reported in a trusted magazine then they must be some sort of credibility behind it. The group's website also reveals they are in touch with the owners of one of the V16 engines identical to Kestrel's, of which only à few were built. Although it is still early days and as I said, no photographs have been released publicly if this goes ahead it will be a great boost to the UK modern traction scene as a rebuilt Kestrel would probably stir up substantial enthusiast and media attention.
 
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