British Rail Class 01 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 01 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. |
| Serial number | 395–398, 424 |
| Build date | 1956 (4), 1958 (1) |
| Total production | 5 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 |
| UIC classification | B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 2 in (0.965 m) |
| Minimum curve | 1.06 chains (21 m) |
| Wheelbase | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Length | 23 ft 8 in (7.21 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 5+1⁄2 in (2.578 m) |
| Height | 11 ft 10+1⁄2 in (3.620 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 25 long tons (25 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 325 imp gal (1,480 L; 390 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Gardner 6L3 |
| Engine RPM range | 1,200 (max) |
| Engine type | Four-stroke diesel |
| Transmission | Mechanical: Wilson SE4, 4-speed epicyclic gear box, Vulcan-Sinclair type 23 rigid hydraulic coupling, to a Wiseman 15LGB reverse and final drive unit. |
| Top speed | 14.5 mph (23.3 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 153 hp (114 kW) At rail: 102 hp (76 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 12,750 lbf (56.7 kN) (max) |
| Locomotive brakes | Straight Air |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 15 long tons-force (150 kN) |
| Train brakes | 11503–11506: none 18: Vaucuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | 11503–11506, 81 (departmental); later D2953–D2956; later 01001–01002 |
| Axle load class | RA 1 |
| Retired | 1966–1981 |
The British Rail Class 01 diesel locomotives were small but mighty engines. They were designed to work in places where space was tight and curves were very sharp. These special trains had a short distance between their wheels, which helped them navigate tricky railway lines.
Contents
What is a Class 01 Locomotive?
The Class 01 is a type of diesel locomotive. This means it uses a diesel engine to power its wheels. It's also called "diesel-mechanical" because it uses gears, much like a car, to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
Built for Tricky Tracks
These locomotives were built specifically for areas with limited room. Imagine a railway line that has very tight bends or goes through narrow tunnels. The Class 01 was perfect for these jobs. Its special design allowed it to turn corners that bigger trains couldn't.
How Many Were Made?
Only five of these unique locomotives were ever built. Four of them were made in 1956, and one more was added in 1958. They were all built by a company called Andrew Barclay Sons & Co..
Power and Performance
Even though they were small, these locomotives had enough power for their tasks. They were designed for shunting, which means moving railway wagons around in yards or at docks.
Engine Details
Each Class 01 locomotive had a Gardner 6L3 diesel engine. This engine could produce about 153 horsepower. That's similar to the engine in a powerful car!
Speed and Strength
The Class 01 wasn't built for speed. Its top speed was around 14.5 miles per hour (23.3 kilometers per hour). However, it had a lot of pulling power, known as "tractive effort." It could pull heavy loads, which was important for its shunting duties.
How it Moved
The power from the engine went through a special gear system. This system allowed the locomotive to change gears, just like a car, to get the best power for moving wagons. It had a 4-speed gearbox, which helped it handle different weights and speeds.
Life on the Rails
These locomotives worked for British Rail, the main railway company in Britain at the time. They were given different numbers over the years, starting with 11503 to 11506. Later, they were renumbered to D2953 to D2956, and finally to 01001 and 01002 for the last two in service.
Where They Worked
The Class 01 locomotives were mostly used in specific locations where their small size was a big advantage. They often worked in industrial areas, ports, or small goods yards. Their ability to handle tight curves made them very useful in these places.
Retirement
The Class 01 locomotives served British Rail for many years. However, as railway operations changed, these specialized engines were no longer needed. They were gradually retired from service between 1966 and 1981.
