British Rail Class 11 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 11 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | LMS/BR Derby & BR Darlington |
| Build date | 1945–1952 |
| Total production | 120 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0+1⁄2 in (1.232 m) |
| Minimum curve | 3.5 chains (70 m) |
| Wheelbase | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Length | 29 ft 1+1⁄2 in (8.88 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 5+1⁄2 in (3.80 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 47.4 long tons (48.2 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 660 imp gal (3,000 L; 790 US gal) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 6KT |
| Generator | English Electric 801 — 441 A, 430 V |
| Traction motors | English Electric 506, 2 off |
| Cylinders | Straight 6 |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors, double reduction gearing |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 hp (261 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 34,900 lbf (155.2 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 32.2 long tons-force (321 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | War Department Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) London, Midland and Scottish Railway British Railways HNRC heritage railways |
| Number in class | WD: 14 (10 to NS) LMS/BR: 106 |
| Number | WD: 70260–70273 LMS: 7120–7129 BR: 12033–12138 |
| Axle load class | RA 5 |
The British Rail Class 11 is a type of diesel shunting locomotive that was built in the United Kingdom. These powerful engines were made between April 1945 and December 1952. They were designed based on an earlier model built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) from 1934 to 1936.
Contents
Meet the British Rail Class 11 Locomotives
The Class 11 locomotives were special because they were "diesel-electric." This means they used a diesel engine to power a generator, which then made electricity. This electricity powered motors that turned the wheels. It's a bit like a hybrid car, but for trains!
What is a Shunting Locomotive?
A shunting locomotive, also called a switcher, is a special kind of train engine. Its main job is to move railway wagons and carriages around in train yards or at stations. They are not built for fast, long journeys. Instead, they are strong and good at pulling heavy loads over short distances. They can also easily switch tracks to arrange trains.
How They Were Built
A total of 120 Class 11 locomotives were built. Most of them, 106 to be exact, were made for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) and later for British Railways. The first 14 were built for the War Department during World War II. Ten of these even went to the Netherlands after the war!
The main places where these locomotives were built were the LMS/BR Derby and BR Darlington factories. These factories were very important for building trains in Britain.
Power and Performance
The Class 11 locomotives were quite strong for their size. They had an English Electric 6KT engine, which produced about 350 horsepower. This power allowed them to pull heavy wagons.
Their top speed was around 20 mph (32 km/h). This might not seem fast, but it was perfect for their job of shunting. They needed to be able to stop and start quickly and move slowly and carefully.
Who Used These Locomotives?
These locomotives were used by several different railway companies and organizations:
- The War Department used them during and after World War II.
- The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), which is the Dutch railway company, used some of them.
- The London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) was one of the "Big Four" railway companies in Britain before British Railways was formed.
- British Railways took over all the main railway lines in Britain in 1948 and used many Class 11s.
- Some have even been used by private companies like HNRC and are now found on heritage railways.
Where Are They Now?
While most Class 11 locomotives have been retired, some have been saved and restored. You can often find these historic engines on heritage railways. These special railways keep old trains running so people can experience what train travel was like in the past. Seeing a Class 11 today is a great way to learn about railway history!
Images for kids
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12099 preserved on the Severn Valley Railway
