British Rail Class 14 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 14 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-hydraulic |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Swindon railway works |
| Order number | Swindon Lots 456 and 460 |
| Build date | 1964–1965 |
| Total production | 56 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 48.50 long tons (49.3 t) |
| Prime mover | Paxman Ventura 6YJXL |
| Transmission | Voith L217U hydraulic |
| Top speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 650 hp (485 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 30,910 lbf (137.5 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Rail British Steel National Coal Board |
| Number | D9500–D9555 |
| Nicknames | Teddy Bear |
| Axle load class | RA 4 |
The British Rail Class 14 is a special type of small train called a diesel-hydraulic locomotive. These trains were built in the mid-1960s. People often called them Teddy Bears because of their unique look and sound.
Fifty-six of these locomotives were made at the British Railways factory in Swindon. They were designed to move wagons around train yards and pull short freight trains. They also did "trip work," which means moving goods between nearby train yards.
Contents
What is a Class 14 "Teddy Bear"?
The Class 14 is a type of train that uses a diesel engine and a hydraulic system to move. It's like how some cars use automatic gears. These trains were quite small but strong. They had six wheels, all powered, which is why they are called a 0-6-0 type.
Their nickname, Teddy Bear, came from their shape and the way they sounded. They were seen as friendly and hardworking trains.
Why Were They Built?
British Rail needed smaller, powerful trains for specific jobs. These jobs included:
- Shunting: Moving train wagons around in busy yards to build up trains.
- Trip Work: Pulling short trains of goods between different local yards.
- Short Freight: Moving goods over shorter distances on main lines.
The first order for 26 of these trains was placed in January 1963. Later, the order was increased to 56 trains before the first one was even finished.
How Do Diesel-Hydraulic Trains Work?
A diesel-hydraulic train uses a diesel engine to create power. This power then goes through a special hydraulic system, similar to a car's automatic gearbox. This system uses fluid pressure to turn the wheels.
This is different from diesel-electric trains, which use the diesel engine to make electricity. The electricity then powers motors that turn the wheels.
Life After British Rail
The Class 14 locomotives did not stay with British Rail for very long. Many were sold off quite quickly, starting in 1968. This was because British Rail changed how it moved freight.
However, these strong little trains found new homes. Many were bought by big industrial companies. These included places like British Steel and the National Coal Board. They used the Class 14s to move materials around their own sites. This allowed the Teddy Bears to continue working for many more years. Some are even still running today on heritage railways!
Images for kids
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D9555 and D9520 run round their train at Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway during the Class 14 at 50 Gala in July 2014
