British Rail Class 12 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 12 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Ashford Works |
| Order number | SR 3413 (15), 3537 (11) |
| Build date | 1949–1952 |
| Total production | 26 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 6 in (1.372 m) |
| Wheelbase | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Length | 29 ft 5+1⁄2 in (8.98 m) |
| Width | 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 8+1⁄2 in (3.87 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 48 long tons (48.8 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 660 imp gal (3,000 L; 790 US gal) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 6KT |
| Traction motors | English Electric 506A, 2 off |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors, double reduction gearing |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 hp (261 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 24,600 lbf (109.4 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | None; 15230–15232 Air from 1970 |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | 15211–15236 |
| Axle load class | RA 5 |
The British Rail Class 12 was a type of diesel locomotive. It was built mainly for shunting duties. This means it was used to move train cars around in railway yards.
What Was the Class 12?
The Class 12 was a special kind of train engine. It used a diesel engine to make electricity. This electricity then powered motors that turned the wheels. This is why it's called "diesel-electric."
How It Was Built
These locomotives were built by British Rail at their Ashford Works. This happened between 1949 and 1952. A total of 26 of these engines were made.
Numbers and Names
The Class 12 engines were given numbers from 15211 to 15236. They were part of a group of shunting engines. These engines were based on an earlier design from the Southern Railway. That older design used an English Electric 6KT diesel engine.
What They Did
The Class 12 engines were mostly used for shunting. This job is very important in a railway yard. Shunting involves moving train cars to build new trains. It also helps to move cars to different tracks for loading or unloading.
Life on the Tracks
These locomotives worked for many years. However, none of them lasted long enough to get new numbers. These new numbers were part of a system called TOPS. This system was introduced later by British Rail.
