British Rail 15107 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail 15107 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Brush Traction |
| Build date | 1949 |
| Total production | 1 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0+1⁄2 in (1.232 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 46.10 long tons (46.84 t) |
| Prime mover | Petter SS4 |
| Traction motors | Brush, 2 off |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Electric |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 360 bhp (268 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 35,000 lbf (155.7 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | 15107 |
| Axle load class | Route availability |
| Retired | June 1958 |
| Disposition | Scrapped, Swindon Works |
British Rail 15107 was a special kind of train engine called a diesel-electric locomotive. It was ordered by an old train company called the Great Western Railway. But before it was finished, all the big train companies in Britain became one large company called British Railways. So, this unique engine was delivered to British Railways in 1949. It was built by a company named Brush Traction and had a powerful Petter engine inside.
Contents
Meet British Rail 15107
British Rail 15107 was a very interesting locomotive because it was the only one of its kind ever built. This makes it a "unique" locomotive. It was designed to run on diesel fuel and use electricity to move, which is why it's called "diesel-electric."
What Made It Special?
This locomotive was built by Brush Traction, a company known for making train engines. It was completed in 1949. At that time, the British railway system was going through a big change. Many smaller private train companies were brought together under one national company, British Railways. This process was called nationalisation. So, even though the Great Western Railway ordered it, British Railways received it.
Power and Performance
The 15107 had a special engine called a Petter SS4. This engine had four cylinders and could produce about 360 horsepower. That's a lot of power for a single engine! It used this power to generate electricity, which then drove two electric motors connected to the wheels.
- Top Speed: This locomotive wasn't built for super-fast journeys. Its top speed was around 20 miles per hour (32 km/h). This speed suggests it was likely used for shunting, which means moving train cars around in a yard, or for light duties on short lines.
- Weight: It weighed about 46 tons, which is quite heavy for its size. This weight helped it to pull heavy loads.
- Wheel Arrangement: The 15107 had a "0-6-0" wheel arrangement. This means it had six driving wheels in the middle and no leading or trailing wheels. This design is common for shunting locomotives because it allows them to be very strong and stable for pulling.
Its Journey: From Building to Retirement
After it was built in 1949, British Rail 15107 served British Railways for almost a decade. It was part of the early fleet of diesel locomotives that started to replace older steam engines.
End of the Line
Sadly, the 15107 didn't have a very long life in service. It was retired in June 1958, less than ten years after it was built. After its retirement, it was sent to Swindon Works, a famous railway workshop, where it was eventually scrapped. This means it was taken apart, and its materials were recycled. Even though it was unique, it didn't last as long as some other locomotives.
