British Rail Class 58 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 58
58001 at Doncaster Works
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder BREL, Doncaster Works Build date 1983-1987 Total produced 50
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC 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) Loco 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 MU working ◆ Red Diamond Train brakes Air
Performance figures Power output Engine: 3,300 bhp (2,460 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 60,000 lbf (267 kN)
Career Nicknames ‘Bone’ Axle load class Route availability 7

Two British Rail Class 58 locomotives at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.

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)