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British Rail Class 35 facts for kids

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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 was a type of diesel locomotive used in the UK. These trains were special because they used a "hydraulic" system to move, much like a car's automatic gearbox. Because of this unique system, they earned the nickname Hymeks.

These locomotives were built for the Western Region of British Railways. This part of the railway wanted lighter trains with hydraulic power. This decision came from the 1955 Modernisation Plan for British Railways. A total of 101 Hymeks were built between 1961 and 1964. They were needed for both passenger and freight services.

Hymeks were based at depots like Bristol Bath Road and Cardiff Canton. None of these trains were given names. Sadly, they were taken out of service quite early, starting in 1971. By 1975, all of them were gone. The main reason was that British Rail decided their hydraulic system was not standard. Luckily, four Hymeks were saved and are now preserved.


Images for kids

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

    D7033 helping a GWR Abergavenny Castle train 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

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