British Rail Class D16/2 facts for kids

British Rail Class D16/2
10203 approaching Bletchley, 1954
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	BR Ashford Works (2), Brighton Works (1)
Order number	SR Order 3441
Build date	1950 (10201/10202) 1954 (10203)
UIC classification	1Co'Co1'
Gauge	4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	Driving: 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) Idling: 3 ft 1 in (0.940 m)
Minimum curve	4.5 chains (91 m)
Wheelbase	55 ft 6 in (16.92 m)
Length	63 ft 9 in (19.43 m)
Width	9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height	13 ft 1 in (3.99 m)
Locomotive weight	133 long tons (135 t)
Fuel capacity	1,150 imp gal (5,200 l; 1,380 US gal)
Prime mover	English Electric 16SVT
Traction motors	English Electric 526A, 6 off
Top speed	90 mph (140 km/h)
Power output	10201/2: 1,750 bhp (1,300 kW) 10203: 2,000 bhp (1,500 kW)
Tractive effort	10201/2: 48,000 lbf (213.5 kN)
Train heating	Steam
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	10201–10203
Axle load class	RA 6

British Railways Class D16/2 was a class of prototype diesel locomotive built by BR at Ashford Works and introduced in 1950–1951, with a third example being introduced in 1954. They had been designed by Oliver Bulleid for the Southern Railway before the 1948 nationalisation but did not appear until after nationalisation. The diesel engine and transmission were supplied by the English Electric company but the Bulleid influence was obvious. The box-like body style closely resembled Bulleid's electric locomotives and was quite different from the usual English Electric style, typified by British Rail Class D16/1.