British Rail Class 46 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derby Type 4British Rail Class 46 |
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The British Rail Class 46 was a type of powerful diesel locomotive used in the United Kingdom. These engines were built in the early 1960s to pull trains across the country. They were often called 'Peaks' because they were similar to earlier locomotives named after mountains.
Contents
Discovering the Class 46 Locomotives
The Class 46 locomotives were an important part of British railways. They helped move people and goods across the country for many years. These engines were known for their strength and ability to pull heavy trains.
What is a Class 46?
A Class 46 is a type of diesel-electric locomotive. This means it uses a diesel engine to power a generator, which then creates electricity. This electricity powers motors that turn the wheels. It's a bit like a giant electric car, but with its own power station inside!
Building the 'Peaks'
Fifty-six Class 46 locomotives were built between 1961 and 1963. They were made at British Railways' Derby Works. When they were first built, they had numbers like D138 to D193. Later, a new computer system called TOPS (Total Operations Processing System) was introduced. This system gave them their new numbers, starting with 46001.
How They Were Different
The Class 46 locomotives looked very similar to an earlier type called the Class 45. They even used the same powerful Sulzer engine. However, there was one main difference. The Class 46 used a different type of generator and traction motors, made by a company called Brush. The Class 45 used equipment from Crompton Parkinson. This change helped improve how the locomotives worked.
Where Are They Now?
The first Class 46 locomotive was taken out of service in 1977. By 1984, all of them had been withdrawn from regular use. Most were scrapped, but a few have been saved. These preserved locomotives are now looked after by railway enthusiasts. They can sometimes be seen running on special heritage railway lines.
Images for kids
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46 026 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry - the only named Class 46.
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Detail of 46 026's nameplate.
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The test at Old Dalby
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Preserved loco D182 (46 045) at Grosmont (May 2008)
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