G T 3 The Unrealised Dream - The Story of Britain's Last Gas Turbine Locomotive

During the 1930s, with the end of steam locomotion being actively considered, many looked to develop engines powered by diesel and electricity. During the late 1940s and 1950s designers stepped up their efforts to find efficient and effective alternatives to steam. Amongst their number was John Hughes who, whilst working for English Electric designing turbine engines, saw how this power source might be used to drive locomotives. Despite many setbacks, and lack of funds, he refused to give up and eventually saw his locomotive, GT3, built and then begin a prolonged period of trial running. But having finally achieved this ambition, the powers that be decided that the experiment had gone far enough and would go no further. This is a ‘what might have been story’ which, although ultimately unsuccessful, tells us much about the nature of design engineering and the need for determined, radical thinkers who are prepared to push back scientific boundaries.