British Rail Class D1/3 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D1/3 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | Ruston & Hornsby |
| Serial number | 390774, 390777 |
| Build date | 1956 |
| Total production | 2 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 dm |
| UIC classification | B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 28.00 long tons (28.45 t) |
| Prime mover | Ruston 6VPHL |
| Transmission | Mechanical, Ruston gearbox |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 15 mph (24 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 165 bhp (123 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 14,350 lbf (63.8 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Class | DY5, later D1/3, later 1/16. No TOPS class. |
| Number | 11507, 11508; D2957, D2958 from 1958 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 3 |
| Retired | 1967–1968 |
| Disposition | One sold for industrial use, one scrapped. |
The British Rail Class D1/3 was a special type of diesel locomotive. It was used by British Rail in England. These engines were built before the modern TOPS numbering system. They were made by a company called Ruston & Hornsby.
Contents
What Was the Class D1/3 Locomotive?
The Class D1/3 was a small but very strong diesel locomotive. It was designed to move railway wagons around. These wagons were moved in busy train yards. Locomotives like this are often called shunters. They shunt, or move, wagons from one track to another.
How Many D1/3 Locomotives Were Built?
Only two of these special locomotives were ever made! They were built in 1956. Their first numbers were 11507 and 11508. Later, in 1958, their numbers changed. They became D2957 and D2958.
Who Built These Locomotives?
The D1/3 locomotives were built by a company called Ruston & Hornsby. This company was famous for making engines and machines. They built these two special locomotives at their factory.
Power and Performance of the D1/3
The Class D1/3 locomotives used a diesel engine for power. This engine produced about 165 horsepower. That's a lot of power, similar to a large truck!
How Did the D1/3 Move?
These locomotives used a mechanical transmission system. This is like the gearbox you find in a car. But it was much bigger and stronger. It helped the engine send power to the wheels.
How Fast Could the D1/3 Go?
The D1/3 locomotives were not built for speed. Their top speed was only about 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). This speed was perfect for moving heavy wagons in a train yard.
How Much Could the D1/3 Pull?
These small engines had a lot of pulling power. This power is called tractive effort. They could pull with a force of up to 14,350 pounds (63.8 kN). This allowed them to move many heavy wagons at once.
Life and Retirement of the D1/3
The Class D1/3 locomotives worked for British Railways for about 11 to 12 years. They were used for shunting duties. This meant they helped organize trains in the busy yards.
What Happened to Them?
Both locomotives were retired between 1967 and 1968.
- One of them was sold to a company. This company used it in their own industrial yard.
- The other locomotive was unfortunately scrapped. This means it was taken apart for its materials.
