British Rail Class D2/11 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D2/11 |
|
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Brush Traction and Beyer, Peacock & Co. |
| Serial number | Brush: 99–103; BP: 7857, 7861, 7858–7860 |
| Build date | 1960 |
| Total production | 5 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 DE |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 29.90 long tons (30.38 t) |
| Prime mover | Petter-McLaren LE6 or National M4AAV6 |
| Traction motors | Brush |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 18 mph (29 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: = 180 bhp (134 kW) or 200 bhp (149 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 19,200 lbf (85.4 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number in class | 1 |
| Number | D2999 (bought); D9998 (loaned) |
| Axle load class | Route availability 2 |
| Retired | D2999: October 1967 |
| Disposition | D2999 preserved D2998 scrapped |
The British Rail Class D2/11 was a special type of train engine. It was a diesel-electric shunter. This means it used a diesel engine to make electricity, which then powered electric motors to move the train. Shunters are small engines used to move railway cars around in train yards.
These engines were built in 1960. Only five of them were ever made. They were designed to show off new ideas for shunting engines.
Building the D2/11 Locomotives
Two companies worked together to build these unique engines. They were Brush Traction Ltd and Beyer Peacock. They started this project in 1958.
The goal was to create a new kind of shunting engine. These engines could be used in factories and on main railway lines. They had a special wheel setup called 0-4-0. This means they had four driving wheels and no other wheels.
Trials with British Railways
Two of these new engines were loaned to British Railways. This was so British Rail could test them out. They wanted to see how well the engines worked.
One of the engines was later bought by British Rail. However, British Rail did not order many more of these engines. So, the D2/11 class remained very small.
What Happened to Them
Most of these engines were eventually scrapped. But one engine, D2999, was saved. It is now preserved and can be seen at the Middleton Railway.
