1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials

The 1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials were organised by the newly nationalised British Railways (BR).

Locomotives from the former "Big Four" constituent companies (GWR, LMS, LNER, SR) were transferred to and worked on other regions.

However, the testing had little scientific rigour, and political influence meant that LMS practice was largely followed by the new standard designs regardless.

The four routes used were: LMS Euston to Carlisle, LNER Kings Cross to Leeds, GWR Paddington to Plymouth, and SR Waterloo to Exeter.

Official test runs on the South Devon Main Line were held on the following dates, using the GWR Dynamometer Car: Official test runs on the Midland Main Line were held on the following dates, using the L&YR Dynamometer Car: Official test runs on the Great Central Main Line were held on the following dates, using the NER Dynamometer Car: Official test runs on the Highland Main Line were held on the following dates, using the NER Dynamometer Car: The four routes used were: London Midland Region Brent to Toton, Eastern Region Ferme Park (London) to New England (Peterborough), Western Region Acton (London) to Severn Tunnel Junction (South Wales), and Southern Region Bristol to Eastleigh.