British Rail 10800 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Railways 10800
10800 on the down main platform at Rugby
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder North British Locomotive Company Serial number 26413 Build date 1 July 1950
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Bo-Bo  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo′Bo′ Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m) Minimum curve 3.75 chains (247.50 ft; 75.44 m) Wheelbase 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) Length 41 ft 10+1⁄2 in (12.76 m) Width 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) Height 12 ft 9+1⁄2 in (3.90 m) Loco weight 69.80 long tons (70.92 t; 78.18 short tons) Fuel capacity 300 imp gal (1,400 L; 360 US gal) Coolant cap. 85 imp gal (390 L; 102 US gal) Water cap. 90 imp gal (410 L; 110 US gal) Prime mover Paxman 16RPHXL Series 2 rebuilt: Maybach MD655 Generator DC Traction motors BTH 159, DC, four (4) off Cylinder size 7 in × 7+3⁄4 in (177.80 mm × 196.85 mm) rebuilt: 7+1⁄4 in × 8+3⁄4 in (184.15 mm × 222.25 mm) Transmission Diesel electric MU working Not fitted Train heating Clarkson steam generator Loco brake Brakeforce: 45 long tons-force (450 kN) Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Maximum speed 70 mph (110 km/h) Power output 827 hp (617 kW) rebuilt: 1,400 hp (1,000 kW) Tractive effort 34,500 lbf (153.5 kN)
Career Operators British Railways Power class 3MT; later: Type 1 Numbers 10800 Axle load class Route availability: 4 Retired 8 August 1959 Disposition Sold Brush Traction, rebuilt into research locomotive Hawk, retired 1968, cannibalised 1972–1976, scrapped 1976.

British Railways 10800 was a special diesel locomotive built in 1950. It was made for British Railways by the North British Locomotive Company. Even though it was ordered in 1946 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, it only appeared after the railways became national (owned by the government) in 1948. This train was one of the first diesel locomotives used by British Railways.

What Made It Special?

British Railways 10800 was a "prototype" locomotive. This means it was built as a test model. Engineers wanted to try out new ideas for diesel engines. It helped them learn how to build better diesel trains in the future.

Its Engine and Power

The locomotive first used a Paxman engine. This engine gave it about 827 horsepower. Later, it was rebuilt with a different engine, a Maybach MD655. This new engine was much more powerful, giving the train about 1400 horsepower! This change helped engineers compare different engine types.

How It Moved

Like many diesel trains, 10800 was a diesel-electric locomotive. This means its diesel engine powered a generator. The generator then made electricity. This electricity powered motors that turned the wheels. It could reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour.

Its Life and Retirement

Locomotive 10800 was used by British Railways for a few years. It helped them understand how diesel trains worked on their lines.

Becoming the 'Hawk'

In 1959, British Railways decided to retire 10800. It was then sold to a company called Brush Traction. They rebuilt the locomotive and renamed it Hawk. It was used as a special research train. This means it helped test new railway technologies.

Its Final Days

The Hawk was retired in 1968. Parts of it were used for other projects between 1972 and 1976. Finally, the rest of the locomotive was scrapped in 1976. Even though it's gone, 10800 played an important role in the history of British railways. It helped pave the way for modern diesel trains.