British Rail Class D3/11 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D3/11 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Swindon Works |
| Order number | Swindon Lot 346 |
| Build date | 1948 |
| Total production | 6 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0+1⁄2 in (1.232 m) |
| Minimum curve | 3.5 chains (70 m) |
| Wheelbase | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Length | 29 ft 1+1⁄2 in (8.88 m) |
| Width | 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 5+5⁄8 in (3.80 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 46.45 long tons (47.20 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 659 imp gal (3,000 L; 791 US gal) |
| Lubricant capacity | 65 imp gal (300 L; 78 US gal) |
| Coolant capacity | 140 imp gal (640 L; 170 US gal) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 6KT |
| Generator | English Electric 801B |
| Traction motors | English Electric 506B, 2 off |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 bhp (260 kW), At rail: 194 hp (145 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 38,500 lbf (171.3 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Locomotive brakes | Air |
| Train brakes | None |
| Career | British Railways |
| Class | D3/11; later 3/11 |
| Number | 15101–15106 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
| Retired | 1967 |
| Disposition | All scrapped |
The British Rail Class D3/11 was a special type of diesel locomotive. It was designed to move things around in railway yards. These powerful engines were first ordered by the Great Western Railway. However, they were delivered to British Rail instead. This happened when the railways in England became one big company.
Contents
What was the British Rail Class D3/11?
The Class D3/11 was a type of train engine that used both diesel fuel and electricity. This is why it's called a diesel-electric locomotive. It was built to shunt, which means moving train cars around in busy railway areas. These engines were not meant for pulling long passenger trains across the country.
How many were built?
Only six of these locomotives were ever made. They were given numbers from 15101 to 15106. This small number makes them quite unique in railway history.
Who built these powerful engines?
These locomotives were built by British Railways at their Swindon Works. This was a famous factory known for making many different types of trains. They were built in 1948.
How did the D3/11 work?
The D3/11 used a special system to move. It had a diesel engine that powered a generator. This generator then made electricity. The electricity powered motors connected to the wheels, making the locomotive move. This is how a diesel-electric engine works.
What was its top speed?
These locomotives were not built for speed. Their top speed was about 20 mph (32 km/h). This speed was perfect for their job of moving heavy train cars slowly and carefully.
How much power did it have?
The engine could produce 350 bhp (260 kW) of power. This was enough to pull heavy loads over short distances. It had a strong pulling force, known as tractive effort, of 38,500 lbf (171.3 kN).
What happened to these locomotives?
The British Rail Class D3/11 locomotives worked for almost 20 years. They were retired from service in 1967. Sadly, all six of these unique engines were later scrapped. This means they were taken apart, and their materials were reused. None of them were saved for museums.
