British Rail 11001 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail 11001 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Ashford Works |
| Order number | 3410 |
| Build date | 1949 |
| Total production | 1 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 dm |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 49.45 long tons (50.24 t) |
| Prime mover | Paxman RPH Series 1 |
| Transmission | Mechanical, SSS Powerflow 3-speed gearbox |
| Top speed | 36 miles per hour (58 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 500 brake horsepower (370 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 33,500 pounds-force (149 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | 11001 |
| Axle load class | Route availability |
| Retired | August 1959 |
| Disposition | Scrapped, December 1959 |
11001 was a very special train. It was one of the first British Railways diesel locomotives ever built. This powerful engine was created in 1949 at British Railways' Ashford Works.
It was designed by O. V. S. Bulleid. He was a brilliant engineer for the Southern Railway. The 11001 was a big step forward for trains in Britain.
Contents
Discovering the British Rail 11001 Locomotive
The 11001 was a unique train. Only one of its kind was ever made. It helped British Railways learn a lot about diesel engines. This knowledge was used to build many more modern trains later on.
Building a New Kind of Train
The 11001 was built in 1949. It was put together at the famous Ashford Works. This workshop was known for building many important trains. The 11001 was special because it used a diesel engine. Most trains at that time still used steam.
Its design came from Oliver Bulleid. He was the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the Southern Railway. He wanted to create a new type of train. This train would be more efficient than older steam engines.
How the 11001 Locomotive Worked
The 11001 had a strong Paxman RPH Series 1 engine. This engine could produce 500 bhp. That's a lot of power for a train! It helped the locomotive pull heavy loads.
The engine was connected to a special gearbox. This gearbox was called an SSS Powerflow. It had three forward and reverse gears. It also had a high and low range. This allowed the train to move at different speeds.
The train had an 0-6-0 wheel setup. This means it had no wheels at the front. It had six driving wheels in the middle. And there were no wheels at the back. This design helped it pull heavy loads.
A Short but Important Life
The 11001 locomotive served British Railways for about 10 years. It was retired in August 1959. Sadly, it was scrapped in December 1959. This means it was taken apart for its materials.
Even though it had a short life, the 11001 was very important. It was a pioneer in diesel train technology. It helped pave the way for the diesel trains we see today. It showed that diesel engines could be powerful and reliable.
