British Rail Class 16 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids NBL Type 1 British Rail Class 16
No. D8403 in green livery with all-yellow front end at Stratford MPD in 1966
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder North British Locomotive Company Serial number 27671–27680 Build date 1958 Total produced 10
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Bo′Bo′  • Commonwealth Bo-Bo Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Wheel diameter 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) Minimum curve 3.5 chains (70.41 m) Wheelbase 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m) Length 42 ft 6 in (12.95 m) Width 8 ft 8+1⁄2 in (2.654 m) Height 12 ft 8 in (3.861 m) Loco weight 68 long tons (69 t; 76 short tons) Fuel capacity 400 imp gal (1,800 L; 480 US gal) Prime mover Paxman 16YHXL Displacement 78.4 L (4,780 cu in) Generator GEC WT 881 (plus GEC auxiliary generator Traction motors 4 x GEC WT 441, nose suspended, with single reduction gear drive Cylinders 16 Cylinder size 7 in (178 mm) bore 7+3⁄4 in (197 mm) stroke Transmission Diesel electric MU working ● Red Circle Train heating None; through steam pipe Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Maximum speed 60 mph (97 km/h) Power output Engine: 800 hp (597 kW) At rail: 627 hp (468 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 42,000 lbf (186.8 kN) Brakeforce 31 long tons-force (310 kN)
Career Operators British Railways Numbers D8400–D8409 Axle load class Route availability 4 Retired 1968 Disposition All scrapped

The British Rail Class 16 was a type of diesel locomotive used in the United Kingdom. It was also known as the North British Type 1. These locomotives were part of a big plan by British Rail in 1955 to update their train system.

These trains were smaller compared to other types. They were mainly used for moving goods on local railway lines.

What Was the Class 16?

The Class 16 was a diesel-electric locomotive. This means it used a diesel engine to power a generator, which then made electricity. This electricity powered motors that turned the wheels.

Built for a New Era

In the 1950s, British Railways wanted to replace old steam trains with newer, more modern diesel and electric ones. This big change was called the "Modernisation Plan." The Class 16 was one of the new designs ordered to help with this plan.

Who Built Them?

These locomotives were built by the North British Locomotive Company. This company was located in Glasgow, Scotland. They built all ten of the Class 16 locomotives in 1958.

How Many Were Made?

Only ten Class 16 locomotives were ever built. Their special numbers were D8400 to D8409.

What Were They Used For?

The Class 16 trains were designed to pull freight (goods) on shorter journeys. They were not meant for fast passenger trains or very heavy, long-distance freight. Their smaller size made them good for local jobs.

Why Are They Gone?

Sadly, the Class 16 locomotives did not last very long. They were all taken out of service and scrapped (taken apart) by 1968. This means they were only in use for about ten years. They were replaced by other, more successful diesel locomotives.