British Rail Class 27 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids BRCW Type 2 British Rail Class 27
27001 at Bo’ness
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Serial number	DEL190–DEL258
Build date	1961–1962
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	5 chains (100 m)
Wheelbase	39 ft 0 in (11.89 m)
Length	50 ft 9 in (15.47 m)
Width	8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height	12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Locomotive weight	Originally: 72.50 long tons (73.7 t)
Fuel capacity	685 imperial gallons (3,110 L; 823 US gal)
Prime mover	Sulzer 6LDA28-B
Transmission	DC generator, DC traction motors
Multiple working	★ Blue Star
Top speed	90 miles per hour (140 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 1,250 horsepower (930 kW) At rail: 933 horsepower (696 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 42,000 pounds-force (190,000 N) Continuous: 25,000 pounds-force (110,000 N)
Train heating	As built: Steam generator 27/2: ETH
Locomotive brakeforce	34 long tons-force (340 kN)
Train brakes	Vacuum, some later dual Air & Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D5347–D5415; later 27001–27066
Axle load class	Route availability 6 (RA 5 from 1969)

The British Rail Class 27 was a type of diesel locomotive used on British Rail tracks. These powerful engines were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) between 1961 and 1962. They were an improved version of an earlier model, the Class 26. In total, 69 of these locomotives were made.

Discover the British Rail Class 27 Locomotive

The Class 27 was a special type of train engine known as a diesel locomotive. This means it used a diesel engine to create electricity, which then powered motors to turn the wheels. These engines were designed to be strong and reliable for pulling trains across Britain.

Building These Mighty Engines

The Class 27 locomotives were built by a company called the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW). They made these engines over two years, from 1961 to 1962. Each locomotive was given a unique number, starting with D5347 and going up to D5415. Later, these numbers were changed to start with 27, like 27001.

These engines were an updated version of an earlier design, the Class 26. Both types were originally called "Type 2" locomotives by BRCW.

What Made the Class 27 Special?

The Class 27 engines were known for their strong performance. They could reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour (about 145 km/h). This made them useful for both passenger trains and freight trains. They had a powerful Sulzer engine that produced 1250 horsepower.

They were also designed to work together. This feature, called "Blue Star" multiple working, meant that two or more Class 27s could be controlled by a single driver. This was very helpful for pulling very long or heavy trains.

Where Did They Go?

The Class 27 locomotives were mainly used in Scotland. They pulled many passenger trains, especially on routes around Glasgow and Edinburgh. They also worked on freight services, moving goods across the country.

Some Class 27s were also used in other parts of Britain, including around London. They were a common sight on the railways during the 1960s and 1970s.

End of the Line and Preservation

Over time, newer and more modern locomotives were introduced. This meant that the Class 27s slowly started to be retired from service. Many of them were withdrawn during the 1980s.

However, some of these historic engines were saved! A few Class 27s are now preserved in railway museums and heritage railways. This allows people today to see and sometimes even ride behind these classic British locomotives.

Images for kids

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  27005 at Glasgow Queen Street.

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  27001 at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

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  27066 on the Dean Forest Railway

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  D5401 (27056) at the Great Central Railway