Napier engine built by David Taylor
This is a model I designed and made a few years back.
It is based on the Napier Deltic engine which i worked on at Napier's works in Liverpool during the 1960's.
It is an opposed piston diesel engine with three crankshafts geared together.
It was designed and mainly used for fast MTB's and Mine hunters for the Navy. Over 600 engines made.
They were made in 9 cylinder ( 18 Pistons) and 18 cylinder ( 36 Pistons ) versions with and without Turbo Charger.
The power ratings were from 1,200 BHP to 4,200 BHP .
However 22 type 5 locomotives were made using two Deltic engines each, giving 3200 BHP for each loco.
These locos were used on the eastern region on express services from Kings Cross in London to Waverley station in Edinburgh.
Initially they were a bit unreliable due to piston failure. ( A development test engine produced some 5,000 BHP).
However this was improved with over 4000 hours running time between overhauls. The locos performed well over a period of some 20 years
The Navy had them in service from 1953 to 2015, some 62 years, which was a surprise for a high performance engine.
Click on a photo to see the full size version
