British Rail Class 23 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English Electric Type 2 British Rail Class 23
“Baby Deltic” D5901 with the revised cab front.
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	English Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date	1959
Total production	10
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve	4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase	40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
Length	52 ft 6 in (16.00 m)
Width	8 ft 10+3⁄4 in (2.71 m)
Height	12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Locomotive weight	74 long tons (75.2 t)
Fuel capacity	550 imp gal (2,500 L; 660 US gal)
Prime mover	Napier T9-29 Deltic
Transmission	DC generator, DC traction motors
Multiple working	★ Blue star
Top speed	75 mph (121 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 1,100 hp (820 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 47,000 lbf (209.1 kN)
Train heating	Steam generator
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D5900–D5909
Nicknames	Baby Deltic
Axle load class	Route availability

The British Rail Class 23 locomotives were a special type of diesel-electric train built in 1959. They were originally called the English Electric Type 2. Only ten of these powerful engines were made, numbered from D5900 to D5909.

These trains were nicknamed "Baby Deltic" because they looked a bit like their bigger, more famous cousins, the Class 55 "Deltic" locomotives. They were designed to pull both passenger and freight trains across the railway network.

Meet the Baby Deltic Locomotives

The Class 23 locomotives were built by the English Electric Company at their Vulcan Foundry in 1959. They were a new kind of train for British Railways. These engines were designed to be strong and reliable for different railway jobs.

Why "Baby Deltic"?

The nickname "Baby Deltic" came from their engine. They used a Napier Deltic T9-29 engine, which was a smaller version of the powerful Deltic engines found in the much larger Class 55 trains. Even though it was smaller, this engine still gave the Class 23s 1,100 horsepower. Their similar look also helped them earn this cute nickname.

How They Worked

The Class 23s were diesel-electric locomotives. This means they used a diesel engine to create electricity. The 1,100 horsepower Napier Deltic engine powered a special generator. This generator then made electricity, which was sent to four traction motors. These motors turned the wheels, making the train move. This system allowed them to reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour.

Their Time on the Tracks

These ten locomotives were an interesting part of British railway history. They were used for various duties, from pulling passenger coaches to moving goods wagons. While they were strong, they had a relatively short working life compared to some other trains. They were an important step in the move from steam trains to diesel trains in Britain.

Images for kids

• 

  D5900 in 1961 without yellow ends or headcode boxes.

• 

  D5907, as modified, at King's Cross in July 1966.

• 

  37372 at Barrow hill, March 2011

• 

  A crude Lone Star OOO gauge model.