British Rail Class 60 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 60 |
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| EWS 60068 passing through Castleton East Junction. | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
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| Builder | Brush Traction |
| Build date | 1989–1993 |
| Total production | 100 |
| Configuration | Co-Co |
| UIC classification | Co'Co' |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Length | 21.34 m (70 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 2.64 m (8 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 3.95 m (13 ft 0 in) |
| Locomotive weight | 129 tonnes (127 long tons; 142 short tons) to 130 tonnes (130 long tons; 140 short tons) |
| Fuel capacity | 4,500 litres (990 imp gal; 1,190 US gal) to 5,228 litres (1,150 imp gal; 1,380 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Mirrlees MB275T |
| Multiple working | Within own class only |
| Top speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 3,100 bhp (2,310 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 106,500 lbf (474 kN) Continuous: 71,570 lbf (318.4 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | Air |
| Career | British Rail English, Welsh and Scottish Railway |
| Number | 60001-60015, 60017-60100, 60500 |
| Axle load class | Route availability |
The British Rail Class 60 is a special type of diesel locomotive. It was built to pull very heavy freight trains across the UK. These powerful engines are still some of the strongest diesel locomotives in Britain. They are known for their great pulling power.
Contents
What is a Class 60 Locomotive?
The Class 60 is a diesel-electric locomotive. This means it uses a diesel engine to power a generator. The generator then makes electricity. This electricity powers motors that turn the wheels. It's a bit like a hybrid car, but much bigger!
Built for Heavy Loads
These locomotives were designed for really tough jobs. They needed to pull long and heavy freight trains. This included trains carrying coal, steel, and other heavy goods. They are known for their strength.
Powerful Engines
Each Class 60 locomotive has a powerful engine. It's a Mirrlees MB275T engine. This engine gives the locomotive a lot of horsepower. This power helps them pull huge loads. They can pull trains weighing thousands of tons.
Who Built the Class 60?
The Class 60 locomotives were built by a company called Brush Traction. They built these engines between 1989 and 1993. A total of 100 Class 60 locomotives were made. Each one was designed to be very strong.
Where They Operate
These locomotives have worked for different railway companies. They first worked for British Rail. Later, they worked for English, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS). They are still used today by various freight operators.
Key Features of the Class 60
The Class 60 has a special wheel arrangement. It's called a Co-Co arrangement. This means it has six wheels on each side. All twelve wheels are powered. This design helps the locomotive grip the tracks. It gives them amazing pulling power.
Top Speed and Weight
The Class 60 can reach a top speed of about 62 mph (100 km/h). This is quite fast for a heavy freight locomotive. Each locomotive weighs around 129 tonnes (127 long tons; 142 short tons) to 130 tonnes (130 long tons; 140 short tons). That's as heavy as many large whales!
Fuel Capacity
These locomotives need a lot of fuel. They can carry between 4,500 litres (990 imp gal; 1,190 US gal) and 5,228 litres (1,150 imp gal; 1,380 US gal) of diesel. This allows them to travel long distances. They can complete their journeys without needing to refuel often.
Images for kids
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60 019 (Westerleigh, 2009)
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60 079 (Westerleigh, 2012)
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60 024 Elizabeth Fry at Eastleigh
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60 076 (Bristol, 2015)
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60 054 named Charles Babbage
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60 033 Tees Steel Express in British Steel blue at Flitwick in 1999
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