British Rail Class 28 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Metropolitan Vickers Type 2 British Rail Class 28
Two 'Metrovicks' Nos. D5703 & D5710 passing through Millbrook in 1960
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Metropolitan-Vickers’ Bowesfield Works, Stockton-on-Tees. Build date 1958–1959 Total produced 20
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Co-Bo  • UIC Co'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 42 ft 9 in (13.03 m) Length 56 ft 7+1⁄2 in (17.26 m) Width 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) Height 12 ft 1+1⁄2 in (3.70 m) Loco weight 97 long tons (98.6 t) Fuel capacity 510 imp gal (2,300 L; 610 US gal) Prime mover Crossley HST V8 Traction motors Metropolitan-Vickers 137BZ, 5 off Transmission DC generator, DC traction motors MU working ● Red Circle Train heating Spanner steam generator of 1,500 pounds (680 kg) per hour Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Power output Engine: 1,200 hp (895 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Career Axle load class Route availability 8 Retired December 1967 – September 1969 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 28 was a type of diesel locomotive built for British Railways in the late 1950s. These powerful trains were originally called "Metropolitan-Vickers Type 2" locomotives. Only 20 of them were ever made. They were part of a big plan to make British railways more modern.

What Made These Locomotives Special?

The Class 28 locomotives had a very unusual design for British trains. They used something called a "Co-Bo" wheel arrangement. This means they had six wheels at one end and four wheels at the other end. This was unique in Britain, but some other countries, like Japan, used similar designs.

This special wheel setup meant that the weight of the train was not spread evenly. This could make maintenance a bit trickier. It also affected where these trains could travel on the railway lines.

Despite their unusual design, these locomotives were quite strong. They had a very high pulling power for their size. Because they had five driving axles (the parts that turn the wheels), they were less likely to slip on the tracks. This was a good thing when pulling heavy loads!

Where Can You See One Today?

Only one of these special locomotives has been saved! You can find D5705 at the East Lancashire Railway. It's a great chance to see a piece of railway history up close.

Images for kids

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  D5705 at Matlock