Re: Alstom (Paxman/Ruston/Mirrlees) Diesel Rationalisation

[Greg Rudd <grudd@mail.usyd.edu.au>]

"< Tell >" wrote:

> Ralph Barrett <rbarrat@fladda.frzzszrvz.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > My neighbour entered into some correspondence with Paxmans a couple of
> > years ago about Deltic engines. Paxmans said that they were still
> > prepared to build brand new Deltic engines to order, if the customer
> > could afford to pay the bill !
>
> Why bother.?  The most complicated and expensive diesel
> prime mover ever, without doubt.
>
> No wonder EMD is popular over there these days, just
> ask the Irish, they knew years ago what a good diesel
> engine was. :)
>

Exactly. However, if you were after a 4 stroke you would have to give
serious consideration to the Alco 251 or a GE FDL prime mover over a
EE/Ruston.  Simpler, more reliable and more fuel efficient as the Alco and
the GE are specially designed for railway use.  Just ask the Spanish and the
Greek railways who were big Alco users.