Hornby Magazine  |  Sulzer Power
Welcome to this special publication dedicated to the Sulzer-powered locomotives that served Britain’s railways from the late 1950s. The Swiss engineering company Sulzer had a long history developing diesel engines and was an early exponent of marrying the technology to rail transport. Its work before World War Two stood it in good stead after the conflict ended in 1945 and it was soon supplying diesel engines of varying sizes to railways in Europe and around the world.
With the publishing of British Railways’ 1955 Modernisation Plan another huge opportunity arose and Sulzer found itself providing hundreds of power units for Type 2, 3 and 4 locos well into the 1960s. Its engines were only matched in number by its main rival in the UK market, English Electric. A notable difference between the two was the engine configuration, with EE favouring the V layout while Sulzer preferred an in-line cylinder arrangement. To produce more powerful engines developing more than 2,000hp for Type 4 locos, Sulzer chose to put two in-line six units side by side to create a 12-cylinder unit that drove a single output shaft to turn the generator. This did produce a heavy power unit, and made some components difficult to access for maintenance, but the low-revving four strokes were very reliable, particularly those fitted to the British Railways’ Peaks and in the Class 47, once they were de-rated.
Today the only Sulzer-powered locos still regularly active on the main line are some Class 47s, although a handful of Class 25s and 33s can be seen on the network, while plenty more, including 26s and 27s, can be found active in preservation. That is quite remarkable given most are approaching 60 years old and is testament to the engineering and near bulletproof design of the Sulzer diesels.
Mark Nicholls, Editor, Railways Illustrated
read more
read less
Hornby Magazine was founded in 2007 by Ian Allan publishing and has since been taken over by Key Publishing in 2012 - it's now the fastest growing model railway magazine out there. Hornby Magazine is the perfect introduction for any newcomers to the hobby of railway modelling - with step-by-step guides on assembling and creating the perfect railway. Receive expert advice on how to assemble and lay track accurately and to the highest of standards, plus kit construction and installing sound addons too.
If you’re more experienced and looking for inspiration, Hornby Magazine provides you with a great deal of stunning railway photography and all the latest updates. Every issue features some of the most impressive model railways from across the nation. Featuring accurate and awe-inspiring reconstructions of locations all over the country, from a wide range of time periods including the 30s, 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s!
Every month, Hornby Magazine reviews and shares all the latest trains, scenery and kits giving you a full scope into products like locomotives, train sets, software and various train accessories. If you’re looking to expand your collection and want to see the best products available then Hornby Magazine is the ideal read for you!
Active or new modeller, don’t miss out on the ultimate railway modelling guide that is, Hornby Magazine! Subscribe today and gain instant access to all the latest news, reviews and special features.
Subscribe to Hornby digital magazine today and get instant access to these amazing features and more:
- All the latest national and international news
- The latest reviews on products, locomotives, train sets, software and accessories
- Event guides and listings
- ‘Show Guide’: Events, shows and meets organised by model railway clubs and associations
- ‘Reality Check’: Archive pictures of railway stations and the surrounding areas - to help make your models as realistic as possible
- A discount off the RRP of your magazine
- Your magazine delivered to your device each month
- You'll never miss an issue
You'll receive 12 issues during a 1 year Hornby Magazine magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Hornby Magazine Sulzer Power.