kids encyclopedia robot

British Rail Class 35 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
British Rail Class 35
Preserved D7017 at Minehead in 1979
Power type Diesel-hydraulic
Builder Beyer Peacock (Hymek) Ltd
Serial number 7894–7938, 7949–8004
Build date 1961–1964
Configuration B-B
UIC classification B'B'
Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
Length 51 ft 8+1⁄2 in (15.761 m)
Width 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Locomotive weight 75 long tons (76.2 t)
Fuel capacity 800 imp gal (3,600 L; 960 US gal)
Prime mover Bristol-Siddley / Maybach MD870
Transmission Hydraulic. Stone-Maybach Mekydro type 6184U
Multiple working Yellow Triangle
Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h)
Power output Engine: 1,700 bhp (1,270 kW)
Tractive effort Maximum: 46,600 lbf (207.3 kN)
Train heating Steam generator
Locomotive brakeforce 57 long tons-force (568 kN)
Train brakes Vacuum
Career British Railways
Number D7000–D7100
Nicknames Hymek
Axle load class Route availability 6
Retired 1971–1975

The British Rail Class 35 is a class of mixed traffic B-B diesel locomotive with hydraulic transmission. On account of their Mekydro-design hydraulic transmission units, the design became known as the Hymeks.

The type was developed for the Western Region of British Railways, which had opted for lightweight locomotives with hydraulic transmission when allocated funds under the British Railways Modernisation Plan of 1955. One hundred and one of the class were built between 1961 and 1964 when it became apparent that there was a requirement for a medium power diesel-hydraulic design for both secondary passenger work and freight duties.

They were allocated to Bristol Bath Road, Cardiff Canton and Old Oak Common. None of the class was named. Withdrawal from service began in 1971, and by 1975 all had been withdrawn. Their early withdrawal was caused, primarily, by BR classifying the hydraulic transmission as non-standard. Four examples survived into preservation.


Images for kids

  • Sonning Cutting geograph-2399322-by-Ben-Brooksbank

    D7033 piloting Abergavenny Castle on a South Wales to London service in 1962

  • D7022 at scrapyard

    D7022 in a scrapyard at the end of its life

  • D7018

    Green, no warning panel

  • Watchet D7017

    Green, small panel

  • D7076 at Bury East Lancashire Railway

    Green, full warning panel

  • Hymek 7017 Crowcombe Heathfield

    Blue, full warning panel

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
British Rail Class 35 Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.