Last Days of "HS 4000, KESTREL".
 

Hi Guys, I found this link; http://www.parovoz.com/newgallery/pg...=235774&LNG=EN

Regards, 62440.:(

Assuming that pic was taken in 1985 (my grasp of the language on that page isn't that good!), the paintwork is in remarkable condition. It's obviously work stained, and weathered due to where it's being stored, but when you consider how quickly diesels in this country get shabby looking, to (presumably) not having been painted at all in over 20 years, is quite impressive.

It's a shame that at this point in it's life and obviously being out of use and bearing in mind the active preservation movement in 1985 that it could not have been repatriated.

Had it not been "re gauged" ?

It had indeed, 5 foot gauge over there I believe? As it had an axleload of over 22 tons it would hardly have suited most preserved lines.:eek: Shame it went. I saw it being built, out on test, on display at the 1968 open day at Derby Loco Works and on shed at Finsbury Park. A very impressive bit of kit!:cool:

Regards, 62440.:D

Whilst firing at Kings Cross I fired on A1 Pacific 60130 Kestrel. sorry I'm a bit off topic as this thread is about a diesel.

Having translated the page I have found that if you go to comment No 16 and click on the first heavy black arrow you will be rewarded with another picture of Kestrel, whilst the second arrow will give you a photo of 10800 "HAWK"

Or most lines in Russia.

Always been fascinated by the 'one off' prototypes...so I bought 'Falcon' and 'Kestrel' in model form, cracking models they are too!
Very 'powerful yet sad' image though....

Its an awful shame to see a great loco like this just sat there rotting.

ccmmick.