British Rail Class 52 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 52 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-hydraulic |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Swindon and Crewe Works |
| Build date | 1961–1964 |
| Total production | 74 |
| Configuration | C-C |
| UIC classification | C'C' |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) |
| Minimum curve | 4.5 chains (91 m) |
| Wheelbase | 54 ft 8 in (16.66 m) |
| Length | 68 ft 0 in (20.73 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 11+3⁄4 in (3.96 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 108 long tons (110 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Maybach MD655, 2 off |
| Transmission | Hydraulic |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 90 mph (140 km/h) |
| Power output | Engines: 1,350 bhp (1,007 kW) × 2 At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 66,700 lbf (297 kN) |
| Train heating | Steam generator |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 50 long tons-force (498 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D1000–D1073 |
| Nicknames | ‘Westerns’ |
| Axle load class | Route availability 7 |
| Retired | 1973–1977 |
The British Rail Class 52 was a group of 74 powerful diesel trains. They were built for the Western Region of British Railways between 1961 and 1964. These trains were special because they used a "diesel-hydraulic" system. This means they used diesel engines to power a hydraulic (liquid-based) transmission, similar to how some cars work.
All 74 locomotives were given two-word names. The first word was always Western. Because of this, the whole group became known as the Westerns. They were a very important part of the railway system in their time.
Contents
Meet the Westerns!
The Class 52 locomotives were big and strong. They were known as "Type 4" trains, which meant they were among the most powerful diesel trains of their time. They were built in two main places: British Railways' own Swindon and Crewe Works.
Why "Westerns"?
Each of the 74 trains had a unique name. For example, D1000 was named Western Enterprise. D1048 was Western Lady. This naming tradition made them very popular and easy to recognise. People often saw them pulling passenger and freight trains across the country.
How They Worked
The Westerns had two powerful diesel engines. These engines worked together to give the train a lot of power. They could reach speeds of up to 90 mph (140 km/h). This made them fast and efficient for their time. They were designed to handle the busy railway lines of the Western Region.
Their Time on the Tracks
The Class 52 Westerns were used for many years. They helped move people and goods all over the railway network. They were a common sight on the tracks from the early 1960s. However, by the mid-1970s, British Rail decided to use different types of locomotives. The Westerns were retired from service between 1973 and 1977.
Westerns Today
Even though they are no longer used for regular service, some Westerns still exist! Several of these famous locomotives have been saved. They are now looked after by railway enthusiasts and museums. You can sometimes see them running on special heritage railways. This allows people to experience these classic trains.
Images for kids
-
An early photo of D1005 Western Venturer in 1962.
-
D1015 Western Champion in Swindon Works
-
D1023 Western Fusilier at Exeter St Davids with a train for the South West
-
Name and numberplates at the National Railway Museum
-
D1000 in Desert Sand livery, 1961
-
D1005 Western Venturer in BR blue.
-
D1010 on the West Somerset Railway
-
D1062 on the West Somerset Railway
