Contrary to popular belief, the GT3 was
not actually a modified 5MT locomotive. The locomotive was built from the ground up, with an extremely strong chassis completely unlike those used on steam locomotives, to hold the weight of the turbine. The wheels may have been reused from a 5MT, however it is difficult to know for certain as sources differ. I think it was quite a handsome locomotive myself. Certainly more characterful than the diesels being built at the same time.
Here are a few more experimental and one-of-a-kind locomotives-
BR Prototype HS4000 'Kestrel'. One of the prettiest BR one-offs, Kestrel had a brief if moderately successful career with BR before being sold to the Soviet Union. A group has been set up with the intention of rebuilding Kestrel using parts recovered from Russia.
BR Prototype D0260 'Lion'. A personal favourite, Lion is certainly an elegant locomotive. However, it didn't demonstrate much BR didn't already know (except that white is a very impractical colour for a diesel locomotive) and lasted all of 18 months.
BR Prototype 'DELTIC'. Bit debateable whether this one is a one-off as 22 further Deltics were built, but only the prototype carried the stunning powder blue and cream livery. One of the few prototypes that can still be seen today.
BR Fell Diesel-Mechanical. If this was around in today's internet age, it would be called the Fail Diesel Mechanical. It was ugly, impractical, and occasionally downright dangerous. It ended its days quite spectacularly by exploding and catching fire in Manchester station.
LMS Ultra-High Pressure Locomotive 'Fury'. Possibly the most dangerous non-weaponised rail vehicle ever constructed, this thing was literally a boiler explosion waiting to happen. Sadly, it did, claiming the life of an innocent businessman. The LMS also had a go at a steam turbine locomotive, creatively calling it the "Turbomotive". It worked on a similar principle to the PRR steam turbines in the United States.
Long before that however, the North British Railway commissioned a steam turbine, which unlike the LMS and PRR ones, had electric transmission. Unfortunately, it looked hideous.
It was later rebuilt in to a form resembling a GG1 with a boiler at one end, which I think looked terrifically stylish.
The locomotive was unfortunately scrapped during WW2.
Of course, no discussion about experimental locomotives can go without mentioning the Southern Railway's 'Leader' Class. Whilst not technically a one off as at least 2 or 3 were completed, only one actually ran under it's own steam. Yes, I said steam.
Under the cladding, there is a boiler, driving an unusual chain drive mechanism. The locomotive can be driven from either end, although exactly how this worked I do not know. It's a shame there are no photos of the cab! In the middle of the locomotive, there was actually a tiny compartment for the fireman, which was known to get extremely hot. As a result, the locomotive was unpopular with crews.
Sadly, British Railways killed the project before the technology could be improved, and the five locomotives built were scrapped.
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