British Rail Class 58 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 58 |
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| 58001 at Doncaster Works | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
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| Builder | BREL, Doncaster Works |
| Build date | 1983-1987 |
| Total production | 50 |
| UIC classification | Co'Co' |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Length | 19.13 m (62 ft 9 in) |
| Width | 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Height | 3.91 m (12 ft 10 in) |
| Locomotive weight | 130 tonnes (127.9 long tons; 143.3 short tons) |
| Fuel capacity | 4,480 litres (990 imp gal; 1,180 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Ruston Paxman 12RK3ACT |
| Multiple working | ◆ Red Diamond |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 3,300 bhp (2,460 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 60,000 lbf (267 kN) |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Career | British Rail English, Welsh and Scottish Railway |
| Number | 58001-58050 |
| Nicknames | ‘Bone’ |
| Axle load class | Route availability 7 |
The British Rail Class 58 was a special type of diesel locomotive built for pulling very heavy freight trains. These powerful trains were introduced in 1982. They were designed using a clever "modular" system. This meant they were built from separate parts that could be easily put together or replaced. This was a bit like how American trains were made.
When they were new, these locomotives were painted in a grey "Railfreight Sector" color. This was different from the usual blue color that British Rail trains often had. The company EWS stopped using them in 2002 after 20 years of service. However, 30 of these locomotives were later rented out to other countries. Four went to the Netherlands, eight to Spain, and twenty to France.
Images for kids
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LGV Rhin-Rhône construction train in France (2010)
