British Diesels

[J3a-614]

Thomas and all his other characters are based on British prototypes, and that includes the various diesel units.

From YouTube are some locomotive start sequences for some of these locomotives.  What stands out is how hard starting (and smokey!) these units are.  Apparently at least part of this is due to cold engines with cold fuel in cold weather (all seem to be in winter, there is snow in one), at least according to some diesel men at Railway Preservation News.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG91fYHc ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JpQivta ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv_cGG56 ... re=related

These units give you the impression a steam locomotive would be easier to "start," and certainly simpler--all you need is a dry match. . .and several hours to raise steam. . .

Enjoy.

[Hoss]

I think the reason they are so hard starting is the lack of glowplugs. What glowplugs do is get some heat in the block. Diesel trucks, cars and semis have them, right after you turn the key on, one has to wait for the wait light to shut off so you can crank the engine. Normally they pop right off, depending on the maker of the engine.

No glowplugs means that the engine will be cranking for a while until the diesel finally ignites. Trust me, I have to drive a International 70 series that has no aformetioned glow plugs. Crank the motor for about 30 seconds, just holding the key over to start. Could also be the design of the combustion chamber. These were built before emissions were a big concern.