British Rail Class D1/1 facts for kids
The British Rail Class D1/1 was a special kind of diesel locomotive used by British Rail in England. These small but powerful engines were built by the Hunslet Engine Company in the mid-1950s. They were designed to help move railway wagons around busy train yards.
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D1/1 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | Hunslet Engine Company |
| Serial number | 4625–4627 |
| Build date | 1954–1955 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0dm |
| UIC classification | B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 22.45 long tons (22.81 t) |
| Prime mover | Gardner 6L3 |
| Transmission | Mechanical, Hunslet four-speed gearbox |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 14 mph (23 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 153 bhp (114 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 10,800 lbf (48.0 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Class | DY1; later D1/1; later 1/15. No TOPS class. |
| Number | 11500–11502; D2950–D2952 from 1957 to 1958 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 1 |
| Disposition | One sold to industry, two scrapped |
Contents
What Was the D1/1 Locomotive?
The D1/1 was a special type of train engine called a diesel locomotive. This means it used a diesel engine to make its wheels turn. These engines were built between 1954 and 1955. Only three of these unique locomotives were ever made.
Who Built These Engines?
These locomotives were built by a company known as the Hunslet Engine Company. Hunslet was famous for making strong and dependable engines. Each D1/1 had a special engine inside it called a Gardner 6L3. This engine was quite powerful for its size, producing 153 horsepower.
What Was the D1/1's Main Job?
The D1/1 locomotives were small but very strong. Their main job was shunting. Shunting means moving railway wagons and carriages around. This usually happened in busy railway yards or at docks. They helped put trains together or move them to different tracks.
How Fast Could They Go?
These locomotives were not designed for high speed. They were built for pulling heavy loads over short distances. Their top speed was about 14 miles per hour (23 km/h). This was fast enough for their important work in the railway yards.
Where Are the D1/1 Locomotives Now?
The D1/1 locomotives did not work for British Rail for a very long time. They were taken out of service between 1966 and 1967. Out of the three that were built:
- One locomotive was sold to a private company for continued use.
- The other two were eventually taken apart and recycled for scrap metal.
