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Derek, also known as Paxman Diesel and The Paxman, is a large green diesel who is known for his initial "teething" troubles.
Technical Details
Basis
Derek is based on a British Rail (BR) Class 17, also known as the Clayton Diesel-electric Type 1. 117 members of this class were built between 1962 and 1965. Derek's problems were undoubtedly inspired by those of his basis, as the twin Paxman engines of the real Class 17s were unreliable, being prone to problems with the camshaft, cylinder head and other areas. Because of these problems, all Class 17s were withdrawn by the end of 1971, after less than 10 years of service. One Class 17, D8568, is preserved at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway in South Oxfordshire, England. According to David Maidment, Derek (then known as Paxman) was originally envisioned as a BR Class 14 (also known as the D95XX series, nicknamed "Teddy Bears") diesel-hydraulic locomotive. Fifty-six of these engines were built at Swindon Works between 1964 and 1965. Some of these engines worked as bankers at Ebbw Vale and had a tendency to run hot, leaving the Class 37 diesels to pull both the train and the banker to the top. These incidents became the basis for the story of Derek's debut in Double Teething Troubles. A total of 19 engines of this class are preserved on various heritage railways around the United Kingdom.
Livery
Derek is painted in the BR Deep Bronze green livery. He has yellow warning panels on his front and back ends. He has white lining on his window frames and he has the BR Ferret and Dartboard crest on his sides.
Apperances
- Season 1 (refreshed series) - Safety First! (Cameo)