How does a diesel work ?

Has the NRM ever considered sectioning a diesel locomotive in the same way as 35029, so the public can see what the insides and components are of a diesel and what makes it work ?
I'm sure this would be quite a cheap exhibit to set up and definitely educational ?

Say something like a scrap 47 or 37 or even a 56 sectioned and painted up ?

 

there is a sectioned delltic napier engine in the great hall behind the chineese loco

 

Yes we have - and still are considering how it might be done...

 

I think it's a great idea, but just imagine the sheer volume of indignant froth generated by the 'save everything' brigade, to whom the 498 preserved 31s, 37s and 47s is nowhere near enough? ;-)

 

Gimme a gas axe - you will have one imminently :thumb:

 

50033 (Run's For Cover)

 

I'm right behind you in the queue Frank.

 

I'm a little more broadminded than your average "Anything that ain't steam / diesel (delete as applicable) should be cut up, I can't stand paraffin cans / kettles (again, delete as applicable)" type.

However, I think there are plenty more than enough preserved class 31s, 37s and 47s up and down the country and sectioning one in the NRM would be an excellent educational exhibit.

Why not do the same with a scrap 86 or 87?

 

Even to explain the basics of the engine itself this would not be typical, the Deltic engine being a two stroke Diesel.

 

Take it to Stafford and half the engine will go missing anyway...!

 

Most diesels have a corridor through them on an outside edge.. take all the paneling off that side.
Then colour code the major components / section them accordingly.
Remove the paneling off one of the cab's and cut the desk.

Maybe at the other end, restore the cab and have it interactive.. customers could press various control panels and have the appropriate sections light up simulating where the action would occur (going maybe onestep further and having the pistons turn etc).

Have a PC and CGI do the rest with a console in front of the loco ?

Some good comparisons on performance against other forms of transport (Cars, Lorries, Buses, Ship engines etc), maybe explain how the Power Unit of a diesel effectively represents the boiler of a steam locomotive and the mind shifts' between the two technologies and the benefits.