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 |
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| D2854 on the Middleton Railway in 1994 | |
| Power type | Diesel-hydraulic |
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| Builder | Yorkshire Engine Co. |
| Serial number | 2809–2818, 2843–2852 |
| Build date | 1960–1961 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 |
| UIC classification | 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) |
| Locomotive 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 |
| Top speed | 19.5 mph (31.4 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 170 hp (130 kW) At rail: 100 hp (75 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 15,000 lbf (66.7 kN) (max) |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 21 long tons-force (210 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number in class | 20 |
| Number | D2850–D2869; later 02001–02004 |
| Axle load class | RA 2 |
Contents
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
