British Rail Class D3/14 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LNER DES2British Rail Class D3/14 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | London and North Eastern Railway’s Doncaster Works |
| Build date | 1947 |
| Total production | 1 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 0 in (1.219 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 51.20 long tons (52.02 t) |
| Prime mover | Petter SS4 |
| Traction motors | Brush Traction, 2 off |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Power output | Engine: 360 bhp (270 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 32,000 lbf (142.3 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | London and North Eastern Railway, British Railways |
| Class | LNER: DES2; BR: DEJ2; later D13/4; later 3/2 |
| Number | LNER: (none); BR: 15004 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
| Retired | September 1962 |
| Disposition | Scrapped, Doncaster Works |
Imagine a special train that was one of a kind! The British Rail Class D3/14 was a unique diesel-electric locomotive. It was built by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at their famous Doncaster Works in England. This locomotive was an early example of diesel power on British railways.
It used a special engine from a company called Petters Limited and had electrical parts made by Brush Traction. When the railways in Britain became one big company called British Railways in 1948, this locomotive joined their fleet. However, it didn't stay in service for very long and was retired in 1962.
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Meet the D3/14 Locomotive
The D3/14 was a type of train that used a diesel engine to create electricity. This electricity then powered motors that turned the wheels. This is different from steam trains, which use boiling water and steam to move. Diesel-electric trains were becoming more popular because they were often more efficient and cleaner than steam trains.
Who Built This Unique Train?
This special locomotive was built in 1947 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). The LNER was one of the "Big Four" railway companies in Britain before the railways were nationalized. They built the D3/14 at their Doncaster Works, which was a very important place for building and repairing trains for many years.
What Made It Special?
The D3/14 was unique because only one of its kind was ever built! It had a specific engine called a Petter SS4 and used electrical equipment from Brush Traction. This combination helped it pull trains with a good amount of power. Its design was known as a "0-6-0 DE" locomotive. This means it had no wheels at the front, six driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back. The "DE" stands for Diesel-Electric.
Its Life on the Tracks
After it was built in 1947, the D3/14 was used by the LNER for a short time. Then, in 1948, all the major railway companies in Britain, including the LNER, were brought together under one new company called British Railways. The D3/14 became part of the British Railways fleet and was given the number 15004.
It worked for British Railways for about 14 years. In September 1962, the locomotive was taken out of service. It was then sent back to the Doncaster Works, where it had been built, and was eventually taken apart for scrap. Even though it was only one of its kind and didn't last very long, the D3/14 was an interesting part of railway history as Britain moved from steam to diesel power.
