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British Rail Class D20/2 facts for kids

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British Rail Class D20/2
Power type Diesel-hydraulic
Builder North British Locomotive Company
Serial number 27660–27664
Build date 1958–1959
Total production 5
Configuration A1A-A1A
UIC classification (A1A)'(A1A)'
Gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter Driving: 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Idling: 3 ft 3+12 in (1.003 m)
Wheelbase 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m)
Length 65 ft 0 in (19.81 m)
Width 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
Height 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Locomotive weight 117 long tons (119 t)
Fuel capacity 800 imp gal (3,600 L; 960 US gal)
Prime mover NBL-MAN L12V 18/21S, 2 off
Transmission Hydraulic, Voith L306r
Multiple working Orange Square
Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h)
Power output Engines: 1,000 bhp (746 kW) × 2
Tractive effort Maximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Continuous: 39,600 lbf (176 kN)
Train heating Steam
Locomotive brakeforce 88 long tons-force (877 kN)
Train brakes Vacuum
Career British Railways
Number D600–D604
Nicknames “Warships”
Axle load class Route availability
Retired December 1967
Disposition All scrapped

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.


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.

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