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.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-elctric Builder Ruston & Hornsby Serial number 312990, 431758–431761 Build date 1952 (1), 1959 (4)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC 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) Loco weight 97650: 28 long tons (28 t) 97651-97654: 30 long tons (30 t) Prime mover Ruston 6VPH RPM range 1,250 rpm (max) Generator BTH RTB6034 Traction motors BTH RTA5041 (nose-suspended), 1 off Loco brake Straight air Train brakes 97650: none 97651–97654: vacuum
Performance figures Power output 165 hp (123 kW) Tractive effort 17,000 lbf (75.6 kN)
Career 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

• 

  PWM651 at Radyr, around 1977.

• 

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

• 

  97651 as it looks today, preserved.