Diesel Brake Tender
by
B.Peacock
The introduction of diesel traction to replace steam locomotives was not always a simple exchange of the locomotive at the front of the train. Diesel locomotives were soon found to have comparatively less braking force available when used to haul unfitted freight trains compared with steam locomotives.
British Railways introduced the vacuum braked Diesel Brake Tender in 1962 as a means of increasing the braking efficiency of an unfitted freight train. The majority were built at York Carriage Works using salvaged components from withdrawn carriages. Total weight was 35 Tons, much of which was from the concrete and scrap metal located within the body to provide ballast weight. The low profile was to allow drivers to see over the body when propelling the tender, and lamp brackets allowed the headcode to be shown on the front of the DBT. Their use was no longer necessary by the early 1980's due to the introduction of air braked rolling stock and all Tenders were withdrawn and scrapped.
The model as photographed is the result of 8 weeks labour in the shed during 2011. The Gresley bogies are hand flanged, and the body was bent around wooden formers. The model design is from a 4mm scale outline sketch and photographic records for the details. A full sized Gresley bogie was measured to provide dimensions for the model.