British Rail Class D3/3 facts for kids
The British Rail Class D3/3 was a type of small, powerful train engine. It was built in England by British Rail at their Derby Works in 1955. These engines were designed to move other trains around in railway yards, a job called "shunting." They were similar to another common engine, the British Rail Class 08, but had different internal parts. Sadly, all ten of these engines were taken out of service and scrapped after only about twelve years.
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D3/3 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | British Railways’ Derby Works |
| Build date | 1955 |
| Total production | 10 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 6 in (1.372 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 47.50 long tons (48.26 t) |
| Prime mover | Crossley ESNT 6 |
| Traction motors | Crompton Parkinson, 2 off |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 bhp (261 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 35,000 lbf (155.7 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Class | D3/3; later 3/1B; no TOPS class |
| Number | 13117–13126; later D3117–D3126 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
| Retired | 1966–1967 |
Contents
What Was the British Rail Class D3/3?
The D3/3 was a special type of train engine. It was built to help move other trains around. These engines were called "shunters." They worked in busy places like railway yards. Here, they would connect and disconnect train cars. They also moved trains onto different tracks.
How Shunting Locomotives Work
A shunting locomotive is like a strong, slow tractor for trains. It doesn't pull long passenger trains. Instead, it pushes and pulls wagons or carriages over short distances. This helps to build up trains or move them to storage areas. The D3/3 had a "0-6-0" wheel setup. This means it had six driving wheels and no smaller wheels at the front or back. This design made it very good at pulling heavy loads at low speeds.
Diesel-Electric Power
The D3/3 was a diesel-electric locomotive. This means it used a diesel engine to make electricity. This electricity then powered electric motors connected to the wheels. This system is very efficient for shunting work. The D3/3 used a Crossley ESNT 6 engine. It also had two Crompton Parkinson traction motors. These parts were different from those in the more common Class 08 engines.
Building and Design
The D3/3 engines were built by British Rail. They were made at a place called Derby Works in 1955. Only ten of these engines were ever made. They were given numbers from 13117 to 13126. Later, their numbers changed to D3117 to D3126.
Similarities to Class 08
The D3/3 looked a lot like the British Rail Class 08. The Class 08 was a very successful shunting engine. It was built in large numbers. The D3/3 shared the same basic shape and size. However, the D3/3 had different engines and motors inside. This made them unique.
Short Service Life
Despite being built in 1955, the D3/3 engines did not last long. They were only in service for about twelve years. All ten engines were taken out of use between 1966 and 1967. After this, they were all scrapped. This means they were taken apart and their materials were reused.
Why Were They Retired So Soon?
It's not common for train engines to be retired so quickly. The exact reasons for the D3/3's short life are not fully clear. However, it's likely due to their specific engine type. The Crossley engines were known to have some problems. Other engines, like the Class 08, used different, more reliable engines. Because of these issues, British Rail decided to remove the D3/3s from service. They were replaced by more dependable locomotives.
