British Rail Class D2/12 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Railways class D2/12 |
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The British Rail Class D2/12 was a special type of diesel train engine. It was ordered by British Rail, which was the main railway company in England at the time. These engines were built before a system called TOPS was introduced to classify locomotives.
Contents
What Was the D2/12?
The D2/12 was a small but strong diesel locomotive. It used a mechanical system to move, which means it had gears like a car. Only ten of these unique engines were ever made. They were designed to help move goods and wagons around railway yards and short distances.
Building These Locomotives
These locomotives were built by a company called Hudswell Clarke. They started making them in 1961. Each D2/12 had an engine made by another company, Gardner.
How They Worked
What made the D2/12 special was its mechanical system. It used a "scoop control fluid coupling" and a four-speed "Power-flow SSS" gearbox. This was a unique way for the engine to change gears and transfer power to the wheels. It was a special design that Hudswell Clarke was known for. These engines could reach a top speed of about 24 miles per hour (39 km/h).
What Happened to Them?
The D2/12 locomotives didn't stay in service for very long with British Railways. They were retired in 1967.
- Six of the ten engines were taken apart and recycled (scrapped).
- The other four were sold to the National Coal Board (NCB). The NCB used them to move coal around their sites.
- Out of those four, three were later scrapped by the NCB.
- Luckily, one D2/12 locomotive was saved! It has been preserved, which means it's kept in good condition so people can see it today.
See also
In Spanish: British Rail Clase D2/12 para niños
