British Rail Class 33 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BRCW Type 3British Rail Class 33 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company |
| Serial number | DEL92–DEL189 (not in order) |
| Build date | 1960–1962 |
| Total production | 98 |
| 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 | 39 ft 0 in (11.89 m) |
| Length | 50 ft 9 in (15.47 m) |
| Width | D6500–D6585: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) D6586–D6597: 8 ft 1+1⁄2 in (2.5 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 73 long tons (74.2 t) to 77 long tons (78.2 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 800 imp gal (3,600 L; 960 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Sulzer 8LDA28 |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Multiple working | ★ Blue Star |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 1,550 bhp (1,156 kW) At rail: 1,215 hp (906 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 45,000 lbf (200 kN) Continuous: 26,000 lbf (116 kN) |
| Train heating | Electric Train Heat |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 35 long tons-force (349 kN) |
| Train brakes | Dual (Air & Vacuum) |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D6500–D6597; later 33001–33065, 33101–33119, 33201–33212 |
| Nicknames | Cromptons |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 |
The British Rail Class 33 is a special type of diesel locomotive that was used by British Rail. These powerful trains were also known as the BRCW Type 3 or by their fun nickname, Cromptons. They were designed to work on the Southern Region of British Railways.
Contents
Meet the Class 33 Train!
The Class 33 locomotives were ordered in 1957. They were built for British Railways between 1959 and 1963. A total of 98 of these trains were made. The Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company built all of them.
What Makes Them Special?
The Class 33 trains are "diesel-electric" locomotives. This means they have a diesel engine inside. This engine doesn't directly turn the wheels. Instead, it powers a generator. The generator then makes electricity, which powers electric motors. These electric motors are what actually turn the wheels and move the train!
They are also known as "Bo-Bo" locomotives. This describes their wheel arrangement. It means they have two main sets of wheels, called bogies. Each bogie has two axles, and all four of these axles are powered. This design helps the train move smoothly and powerfully.
The body and cab (the driver's area) of these trains were made completely of steel. This made them strong and durable.
Their Nickname: Cromptons
You might hear these trains called "Cromptons." This nickname comes from the electrical parts inside them. These parts were made by a company called Crompton Parkinson. So, the trains got their nickname from the company that made their electrical equipment!
Where Did They Work?
The Class 33s were mainly used in the Southern Region of British Railways. This area includes places like London, Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. They were very versatile trains. This means they could do many different jobs. They pulled both passenger trains and freight trains (carrying goods). They were known for being reliable and strong.
Images for kids
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33208 in BR civil engineers livery at Eastleigh, 1995
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A pair of 33s - D6527 and D6505 at Oxford with a Bromford Bridge to Fawley oil train in March 1964.
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33118 at London Waterloo
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33102 propelling a 4TC unit from Weymouth, 1987.
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33109 arrives at the ferry terminal having negotiated the Weymouth Harbour Tramway on its way to quay in August 1981. Note the bell and beacon warning unit on the cab front and the platform height air brake pipes with two rolled flags wedged behind.
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Preserved Class 33 D6501 runs round the train at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway.
