British Rail Class D20/2 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D20/2 |
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The British Railways Class D20/2 locomotives were a small group of special trains. These powerful engines were built in Glasgow, Scotland, by the North British Locomotive Company between 1957 and 1958. Only five of them were ever made.
These locomotives were known as "diesel-hydraulic" trains. This means they used diesel engines to create power, which was then sent to the wheels using a special fluid system, similar to how automatic car gears work. They were also nicknamed "Warships" because each one was named after a famous ship from the Royal Navy.
Contents
Meet the "Warships"
The Class D20/2 locomotives were a unique part of British Railways. They were designed to be fast and strong, pulling passenger trains across the country. Even though they were only a small group, they stood out with their distinctive look and powerful engines.
Building These Special Trains
The North British Locomotive Company built all five of the D20/2 locomotives. They started building them in 1957 and finished in 1958. Each locomotive was given a number from D600 to D604.
These trains were quite large, measuring about 65 feet long. They could reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour, which was very fast for their time. Each locomotive had two engines, giving them a lot of power to pull heavy trains.
Why "Warships"?
The nickname "Warships" came from how these locomotives were named. Each of the five D20/2 trains received a nameplate honouring a famous Royal Navy vessel. For example, one was named Ark Royal, just like the well-known aircraft carrier. This naming tradition made them quite famous among train enthusiasts.
Even though they were officially known as Class D20/2, many train fans started calling them "Class 41." This was because a new system for naming trains, called TOPS, was introduced later. The D20/2s were retired before this system began, so they never got an official TOPS class number.
Life on the Tracks
The D20/2 locomotives were used for pulling express passenger trains. They were known for their smooth ride and powerful performance. They helped transport many people across the British railway network during their time in service.
The End of the Line
Sadly, the Class D20/2 locomotives did not have a very long life on the tracks. They were all retired from service quite early, in December 1967. After their retirement, all five of these unique "Warship" locomotives were scrapped. This means they were taken apart, and their materials were recycled. None of the original D20/2 locomotives exist today.
Images for kids
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The nameplate of D601 Ark Royal on display at the National Railway Museum. These were generally coloured red, but this was changed to black if the locomotive was repainted blue.
