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British Rail Class D2/10 facts for kids

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British Rail Class D2/10
Power type Diesel-hydraulic
Builder North British Locomotive Company
Serial number 27703–27714, 27815–27839, 27998–29033
Build date 1957–1961
Configuration 0-4-0 DH
UIC classification B
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter D2708–D2719: 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m);
D2720–D2780: 3 ft 9 in (1.14 m)
Locomotive weight D2708–D2719: 30.00 long tons (30.48 t);
D2720–D2780: 36.00 long tons (36.58 t)
Prime mover NBL/MAN W6V
Transmission Hydraulic, Voith
Multiple working Not fitted
Top speed 15–17 mph (24–27 km/h)
Power output Engine: 225 bhp (168 kW)
Tractive effort D2708–D2719: 20,080 lbf (89.3 kN)
Train heating None
Career British Railways
Class DY11; later D2/10; later 2/4 (D2708–D2719), 2/4B (D2720–D2780)
Number (formerly 11708–11719 (D2708–D2719 from 1961 to 1963), D2720–D2780
Axle load class D2708–D2719: RA 2;
D2720–D2780: RA 5
Retired 1967–1968

Imagine a powerful machine designed to move heavy train cars around busy railway yards! That's exactly what the British Rail Class D2/10 locomotives were built for. These special trains were a type of diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotive used by British Rail in the UK. They were like the strong, agile helpers of the railway world, moving wagons and carriages into the right places.

What was the British Rail Class D2/10?

The British Rail Class D2/10 was a specific type of train engine. It was designed to shunt, which means moving railway wagons or carriages from one track to another, usually within a railway yard or at a station. These locomotives were known for their diesel-hydraulic power system.

Who built these locomotives?

These locomotives were built by a company called the North British Locomotive Company (NBL). They were located in Scotland. The engines inside these locomotives were special. They were built by NBL under a special agreement with a German company called MAN. This meant NBL used MAN's designs to create the powerful engines for these trains.

How were they powered?

The D2/10 class used a "diesel-hydraulic" system. This is different from electric or steam trains.

  • Diesel means they used a diesel engine, similar to what you might find in a big truck, to create power.
  • Hydraulic means they used fluid (like oil) under pressure to transfer that power to the wheels. It's a bit like how a hydraulic jack lifts a car, but on a much bigger scale to move a train!

This system was good for shunting because it allowed for smooth and precise control, which is important when moving heavy loads slowly and carefully.

When were they used?

The British Rail Class D2/10 locomotives were introduced in 1957. They worked hard for about a decade, helping to keep the railway yards running smoothly. By 1967 and 1968, these locomotives were retired from service.

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