The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a full view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (August 2013)
Reciprocating internal combustion engine
Paxman Valenta
Paxman Valenta V12 power unit with turbocharger and Brush Traction alternator fitted
The Paxman Valenta, also known as Y3J and RP200,[1] is a diesel fuelledinternal combustion engine formerly made by Paxman in Colchester, England. It was originally developed for, and previously used in the British Rail (BR) Class 43 diesel-electric locomotives, a pair of which powered the InterCity 125 High Speed Train (HST) in a push-pull train set configuration. The Valenta has also been used for electricity generation in diesel generators on offshore oil rig platforms in British waters.[2]
The Paxman Valenta was developed in the early 1970s for British Rail (BR) with the aim of using in both freight and passenger locomotives.[4] The engine was used in 1972 in the two pre-production Class 41,[2] and 197 production Class 43 power-cars that were delivered to power HSTs between 1975 and 1982. In June 1973, the Valenta powered HST prototypes achieved a world speed record for diesel traction engines, reaching 143.2 miles per hour (230.5 kilometres per hour).[2] This world speed record was beaten in 1987 by a Valenta powered production HST, this time reaching 148 miles per hour (238 kilometres per hour).[2]
In 1985, four power-cars (43167-43170) were fitted with Mirrlees MB190 engines.[9] Beginning in 1995, a small number were fitted with Paxman VP185 engines, however the majority retained Valentas.[10]
In May 2005, First Great Western had Brush Traction fit two with MTU 16V4000 R41 engines,[11] these V16 units which utilise common rail fuel injection are ultimately capable of developing 2,720 kilowatts (3,700 metric horsepower; 3,650 brake horsepower), though they are de-rated in the Class 43 HSTs to match the performance of the original Paxman engine.[7] Judged a success, no doubt due to improved fuel economy,[7] as part of a project to extend the lives of the HSTs, First Great Western decided to re-power its entire fleet. Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), CrossCountry, Network Rail, and Grand Central also decided to re-power their fleets with MTUs.[12][13][14] The only operator not to was East Midlands Trains, which opted to replace its Valentas with Paxman VP185s.[15]
Grand Central's 43084 and 43123 were the last two Valenta-engined power-cars in service. They were taken out of traffic on 22 December 2010 for re-powering with the latter named Valenta 1972-2010.
Restoration
In May 2011, it was announced that the 125 Group would return prototype HST powercar 41001 to service. The power-car was at that time on static display at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York, England. It received a full overhaul, and was fitted with a reconditioned Paxman Valenta RP200L engine, number S508 installed new into Virgin CrossCountry's 43153 in 2001, before re-installation into First Great Western's 43143 after a spell in storage. It was one of about 10 engines that the 125 Group obtained.[16]
On 15 November 2014, 41001 hauled its first passenger train in preservation.[17]
BP, a diesel generator gen-set used for primary electricity generation was built by Paxman in 1983, using a V8 Valenta engine. They were used on platforms (gas rigs) in their Morecambe Bay gas production platform off coast of Blackpool in the north-west of England. Following the subsequent commissioning of a gas turbine powered gen-set for primary electricity generation, the Valenta engined gen-set remains for emergency stand-by electricity generation.[2]
Australian State Rail Authority, twenty-four Valenta engines rated at 2,000 brake horsepower (1,491 kilowatts; 2,028 metric horsepower) were supplied for nineteen power cars for the New South Wales XPT (Express Passenger Train).[2]
BP, a diesel generator gen-set used for primary electricity generation was built by Paxman in 1983, using a V12 Valenta engine. They were used on platforms (gas rigs) in their Morecambe Bay gas production platform off coast of Blackpool in the north-west of England. Following the subsequent commissioning of a gas turbine powered gen-set for primary electricity generation, the Valenta engined gen-set remains for emergency stand-by electricity generation.[2]
United States Navy, Cyclone Class Patrol Boat coastal craft, four 16RP200-1-CM engines per boat, each rated at 3,350 brake horsepower (2.50 megawatts) at 1,500 rpm (continuous), with a sprint rating of 3,600 brake horsepower (2.7 megawatts) at 1,540 rpm;[1] thirty-two Valenta engines were supplied by Paxman, the first four 'boat set' delivered from Colchester in March 1991, to be installed in USS Cyclone. At least 60 Paxman Valenta engines have been supplied for fourteen Cyclone class boats.[2]
Hong Kong, two fast ferries, Cheung Kong and Ju Kong were each fitted with four V16 Valenta engines, rated at 3,000 brake horsepower (2.2 megawatts).[2]
BP, two diesel generator gen-sets used for stand-by electricity generation were built by Paxman in 1981, each using a V16 Valenta engine. They were used on platforms (oil rigs) in their Magnus oilfield in the North Sea.[2]
BP, a diesel generator gen-set used for primary electricity generation was built by Paxman in 1983, using a V16 Valenta engine. They were used on platforms (gas rigs) in their Morecambe Bay gas production platform off coast of Blackpool in the north-west of England. Following the subsequent commissioning of a gas turbine powered gen-set for primary electricity generation, the Valenta engined gen-set remains for emergency stand-by electricity generation.[2]
South Korea, two V18 Valenta engines were supplied for Han Ma Eum Ho launched in 1992, a high speed catamaran built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. Each engine is rated at 4,050 brake horsepower (3.02 megawatts), and is used to power the ship's water jet propulsion system.[2]
_with_power_car_No.2013.jpg)
