British Rail Class 17 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clayton Type 1 British Railways class 17
D8574 at Glasgow Works.
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	Clayton Equipment Company & Beyer, Peacock & Co.
Build date	1962–1965
Total production	117
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	3 ft 3+1⁄2 in (1.003 m)
Minimum curve	3.5 chains (70 m)
Wheelbase	36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Length	50 ft 7 in (15.42 m)
Width	8 ft 9+1⁄2 in (2.68 m)
Height	12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Locomotive weight	69 long tons (70.1 t)
Fuel capacity	500 imp gal (2,300 L; 600 US gal)
Prime mover	Paxman 6ZHXL, 2 off except D8586–8587: Rolls Royce ‘D’ type V8, 2 off
Generator	D8500–D8587: GEC WT800 D8588–D8616: Crompton Parkinson
Traction motors	GEC WT421, nose suspended, 4 off
Transmission	DC generator, DC traction motors
Multiple working	D8500–D8587 ◆ Red Diamond D8588–D8616 ★ Blue Star
Top speed	60 mph (97 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 900 hp (671 kW) At rail: 602 hp (449 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 40,000 lbf (178 kN) Continuous: 8,000 lbf (35.6 kN)
Train heating	None; through steam pipe
Locomotive brakeforce	35 long tons-force (349 kN)
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D8500–D8616
Axle load class	Route availability 4
Retired	1968–1971
Disposition	One preserved, remainder scrapped.

The British Rail Class 17 was a type of diesel locomotive used by British Railways. These trains were also known as the Clayton Type 1. They were built between 1962 and 1965.

These locomotives were part of a big plan to replace old steam trains with newer, more modern diesel and electric ones. The Class 17s were designed for lighter duties. This included moving freight wagons and sometimes pulling passenger trains on smaller lines.

Building the Class 17s

The Class 17 locomotives were built by two companies. Most of them were made by the Clayton Equipment Company. A few were also built by Beyer, Peacock & Co.. In total, 117 of these locomotives were produced.

Design and Features

The Class 17 had a unique look. It had a low cab in the middle of the train. This design was meant to give the driver a good view. However, it also meant the driver's position was quite cramped.

These locomotives were diesel-electric. This means they used a diesel engine to power a generator. The generator then produced electricity to drive the wheels. Most Class 17s had two Paxman engines. A couple of them used Rolls Royce engines instead.

Power and Speed

Each Class 17 locomotive had a power output of 900 horsepower. They could reach a top speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). This made them suitable for the lighter tasks they were given. They were not designed for very fast express passenger services.

Why They Didn't Last Long

Even though they were new, the Class 17s did not stay in service for very long. They faced several problems.

Engine Troubles

The main issue was with their engines. The Paxman engines often had reliability problems. This meant the trains frequently broke down. They needed a lot of repairs, which was expensive and time-consuming.

Driver Comfort and Visibility

Drivers also found the low, central cab uncomfortable. It was also said that visibility was not as good as expected. This made them less popular with the train crews.

Retirement and Legacy

Because of their problems, British Rail decided to retire the Class 17s very early. Most of them were taken out of service between 1968 and 1971. This was only a few years after they were built.

Most of the 117 locomotives were scrapped. However, one Class 17 locomotive has been saved. It is now preserved and can be seen by people who love trains.

Images for kids

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  D8574 at Crewe awaiting scrapping in 1971

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  D8568 arriving from Kidderminster