British Rail Class 02 facts for kids

The British Rail Class 02 locomotives were a group of twenty small, but strong, diesel trains. They were built to move other trains around in busy areas like docks and railway yards. These special trains were designed by the Yorkshire Engine Company in the early 1960s. They were known for their unique design, especially a small open platform at the back.

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 02
D2854 on the Middleton Railway in 1994
Type and origin Power type Diesel-hydraulic Builder Yorkshire Engine Co. Serial number 2809–2818, 2843–2852 Build date 1960–1961
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-4-0  • UIC B Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Wheel diameter 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m) Minimum curve 1 chain (20 m) Wheelbase 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Length 21 ft 11+1⁄2 in (6.693 m) Width 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) Height 11 ft 5+1⁄4 in (3.486 m) Loco weight 28.60 long tons (29.06 t) Fuel capacity 300 imp gal (1,400 L; 360 US gal) Prime mover Rolls-Royce C6NFL176 Engine type Straight-6 diesel Transmission Rolls-Royce 10,000-series 3-stage twin-disc torque converter, manually operated YEC reduction and reversing final drive gearbox Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Power output Engine: 170 hp (130 kW) At rail: 100 hp (75 kW) Tractive effort 15,000 lbf (66.7 kN) (max) Brakeforce 21 long tons-force (210 kN)
Career Number in class 20 Axle load class RA 2

Meet the Class 02 Locomotives

These locomotives were called "diesel-hydraulic." This means they used a diesel engine to power a special fluid system. This system helped them move heavy loads smoothly. They were also known as "shunters" because their main job was shunting. Shunting means moving railway wagons or carriages from one track to another. It's like sorting out trains in a big puzzle.

What They Were Used For

The Class 02 locomotives were built for specific jobs. They worked in places where space was tight. This included busy docks and industrial areas. They were perfect for tracks with very tight curves. Their small size helped them fit into tricky spots.

Who Built Them?

The Yorkshire Engine Company built all twenty of these locomotives. The first ten were made in 1960. These were numbered D2850 to D2859. The next ten were built in 1961. Their numbers were D2860 to D2869.

Special Features

The Class 02 had a very unusual design for British trains. The door to the driver's cab was at the back. Behind the cab, there was an open platform with railings. This platform is called a "veranda."

The Veranda Design

Having a veranda at the back was rare on British Rail locomotives. However, it was a common feature on many trains built by the Yorkshire Engine Company. This design is also quite normal for trains in North America. It allowed crew members to safely stand outside while shunting.

Images for kids

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  D2860 in 1979

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  D2858 in Swanwick junction on the 12th April 2009

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  D2860 outside the Great Hall in the National Rail Museum