British Rail Class 97/6 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail class 97/6
Locomotive 97651 at Pitsford and Brampton station on the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
Power type	Diesel-elctric
Builder	Ruston & Hornsby
Serial number	312990, 431758–431761
Build date	1952 (1), 1959 (4)
Configuration	0-6-0
UIC classification	C
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	97650: 3 ft 2+1⁄2 in (0.978 m) 97651-97654: 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m)
Locomotive weight	97650: 28 long tons (28 t) 97651-97654: 30 long tons (30 t)
Prime mover	Ruston 6VPH
Engine RPM range	1,250 rpm (max)
Generator	BTH RTB6034
Traction motors	BTH RTA5041 (nose-suspended), 1 off
Top speed	20 mph (32 km/h)
Power output	165 hp (123 kW)
Tractive effort	17,000 lbf (75.6 kN)
Locomotive brakes	Straight air
Train brakes	97650: none 97651–97654: vacuum
Career	British Railways’ Western Region Chief Civil Engineer's department
Number	PWM 650–654 later 97650–97654
Axle load class	RA 1

The British Rail Class 97/6 locomotives were special diesel engines. They were built to help move things around railway yards and for other important jobs. These engines were made by a company called Ruston & Hornsby in Lincoln.

The first locomotive, 97650, was built in 1953. The other four, 97651 to 97654, were built later in 1959. There were some small technical differences between the first engine and the ones built later.

Images for kids

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  PWM651 at Radyr, around 1977.

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  97650 at Worcester Shrub Hill in 1979. This particular locomotive was different from the others.

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  97651 as it looks today, preserved.