British Rail Class 53 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 53 (Falcon) |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Brush Traction |
| Serial number | 280 |
| Build date | 1961 |
| UIC classification | Co'Co' |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) |
| Wheelbase | 56 ft 4 in (17.17 m) |
| Length | 68 ft 10 in (20.98 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 115 long tons (117 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,440 imp gal (6,500 L; 1,730 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Maybach MD655, 2 off |
| Traction motors | Brush, 6 off |
| Cylinders | 12 × 2 |
| Top speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Power output | 2,880 hp (2,150 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 60,000 lbf (266.9 kN) |
| Train heating | Spanner Mk III 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) per hour steam generator |
| Locomotive brakes | Brakeforce: 59 long tons-force (588 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum, later: Air |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D0280, later 1200 |
| Axle load class | Route availability: 7 (6 from 1969) |
| Disposition | Sold to BR December 1970, withdrawn October 1975, Scrapped by Cashmore of Newport, April 1976 |
The British Rail Class 53, famously known as Falcon, was a very special diesel-electric locomotive built in 1961. It was built by a company called Brush Traction. Only one Falcon was ever made, making it a truly unique train!
Falcon was like a test train. It helped engineers try out new ideas for how powerful locomotives could be designed. Even though it worked well, new train technologies quickly came along. These new ideas meant that the way Falcon was built became old-fashioned, so no more were ever created.
Contents
Meet the Falcon
The Falcon was given the number D0280 when it was first built. Later, its number was changed to 1200. This powerful train was designed to pull heavy passenger and freight trains across the country. It was an important part of the British Rail fleet for a few years.
Why Was Falcon Special?
What made Falcon so unique was its design. It used two separate diesel engines to create its power. Each engine worked together to generate electricity for the motors that turned the wheels. This was a different approach compared to some newer locomotives that used just one large engine.
An Experimental Design
Falcon was an experimental locomotive. This means it was built to test new concepts and see how they performed in real life. Engineers wanted to learn if having two engines was better for power or reliability. It helped them decide what designs to use for future trains.
Power and Speed
The Falcon was a very strong and fast locomotive. It had a total power output of 2,880 horsepower. This allowed it to pull long and heavy trains. Its top speed was an impressive 100 miles per hour (about 160 kilometers per hour). This made it one of the faster trains of its time.
How it Worked
Falcon was a diesel-electric train. This means its diesel engines didn't directly power the wheels. Instead, the engines ran generators that made electricity. This electricity then powered electric motors connected to the wheels, making the train move. This system is still used in many modern locomotives today.
The End of the Line
Falcon worked for British Rail for several years. It was a valuable part of their fleet, helping to move people and goods. However, as newer and more efficient designs came along, Falcon's unique twin-engine setup became less common.
Retirement and Scrapping
In December 1970, British Rail officially bought Falcon, having leased it before. But its time on the tracks was coming to an end. It was taken out of service in October 1975. Sadly, like many older trains, Falcon was eventually scrapped in April 1976. It was taken apart by a company called Cashmore in Newport. Even though it's gone, Falcon remains an important part of British railway history.
