DLM
Rack Tank Locomotives
Class H2/3 0-4-2t on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn
The
Brienz Rothorn Bahn in Switzerland has three of the DLM class H2/3 rack
tank locomotives - numbers 12, 14 & 15 (there being no loco 13 on
the BRB !) Number 12 was one of the three prototypes built in 1992. 14
& 15 followed in 1996. |
The official line drawing of the class H2/3 0-4-2t rack locomotives. © DLM |
BRB No.12 at Brienz Station. August 16 2000
BRB No.14 in the yard at Brienz. Note the counter-pressure brake exhaust. October 8 2003
 |
BRB
No.15 in Brienz shed plugged in to the DLM preheating device. October
8 2003 |
This view shows one of the big ends. The bearing is grease lubricated from the spring loaded grease dispenser seen to the right of the bearing. October 6 2003
This view shows some of the motion, including the crosshead and crosshead slipper, expansion link and the drive, via belts and gearing to the alternator on the far left. October 6 2003
A general view of No.12's motion. Note the drive to the mechanical lubricator and the reduction gearing housing. August 16 2000
The locomotives are equipped with a water pump to replenish the boiler whilst on the move. It was felt relying on an injector risked distracting the driver in the event it bit no pick up immediately. As can be seen the pump is driven by a toothed rubber drive belt, the drive for which is derived from the valvegear. The pump does not feed cold water, rather it feeds water that have passed through a feedwater heater. A non-lifting injector is provided for when the locomotive is stationary. October 8 2003
 |
The
batteries on the H2/3 locomotives are under the cab floor. Access is via
the top step which is hinged. October 8 2003 |
The locomotives are single manned. For safety they are fitted with a vigilance device, in this case a deadman's pedal. The pedal used when run backwards is shown here by the red arrow. October 8 2003
 |
A
view in to the cab of BRB No.12. The backhead is very simple, and heavily
insulated. The driver stands on the far side. August 16 2000 |
All the electrical gear is on the bunker side of the cab thus keeping it away from as much moisture as possible. August 16 2000
 |
This
is the drivers view forward. Note the two gauge glasses to ensure the
driver has an accurate knowledge of the water level. The gauge in front
of and higher than the front gauge glass shows the blower pipe pressure.
August 16 2000 |
 |
There
are a few gauges in the cab, but not as many as might be expected on a
modern machine. Modern does not have to mean complicated ! The gauges
shown include a boiler pressure gauge and a superheated steam temperature
gauge. August 16 2000 |
An interesting feature is glass in the firehole 'door', a door which requires bolts to be removed before it can be opened. As can be seen the window is surrounded by fire clay. When this photograph was taken the burner was on a very low setting whilst sat in Brienz station. August 16 2000
The silver item in the middle of the photograph shows the oil feed to the burners. August 16 2000
 |
This
item is the mechanical lubricator. The drive from the motion can be seen
coming in from the right. October 8 2003 |
A view of BRB 15's cylinder block. Interestingly in view of the high degree of insulation elsewhere on the locomotives the cylinder and valve covers are not insulated at all. The pipes leading from between the valves down below the cylinders take exhaust steam to the feedwater heater. October 8 2003
No 12, virtually lost in the mountain landscape, climbs towards the Rothorn. Note the total absence of smoke, the same can not be said for the coal fired locos of the BRB when they climb the hill. August 16 2000
No.12 descends from the Rothorn. Note the counter pressure brake exhaust at the rear of the cab on the lefthand side. August 16 2000
