British Rail Class D3/6 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D3/6 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | English Electric at Hawthorn Leslie |
| Serial number | HL: 3841–3850, 3816 |
| Build date | 1934 (1), 1935 (10) |
| 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) |
| Locomotive weight | 51.45 long tons (52.28 t) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 6K |
| Traction motors | English Electric, 2 off |
| Multiple working | Not fitted |
| Top speed | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 hp (261 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 30,000 lbf (133.4 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Career | London, Midland and Scottish Railway, War Department, British Railways |
| Class | LMS: 0F; BR: D3/6 |
| Number | LMS 7069–7079; BR 12000–12002 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
The Class D3/6 locomotives were special diesel shunting engines. They were built in 1935 by a company called English Electric for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). These engines were important because they were the first of a new type of diesel shunter.
Contents
What is a Shunter Locomotive?
A shunter locomotive is a type of train engine. Its main job is to move railway wagons or carriages around. This happens in places like railway yards or industrial areas. Shunters are not built for fast, long journeys. Instead, they are designed to be powerful at low speeds. This helps them push and pull heavy loads over short distances. They are essential for organizing trains before they start their main journeys.
Building the D3/6 Class
The Class D3/6 locomotives were built by English Electric. They worked with another company called Hawthorn Leslie to construct these engines. The design was new and exciting for its time. It was based on the "English Electric 6K" diesel engine. This engine could produce 350 horsepower. This made the D3/6 a strong and reliable shunter.
How Many Were Made?
Only a small number of these special locomotives were built. First, one "demonstrator" engine was made in 1934. This was like a test model. After that, ten more production locomotives were built in 1935. This means a total of eleven Class D3/6 engines existed.
Numbering the Locomotives
The LMS railway gave these engines their first numbers. The demonstrator was numbered 7079. The other ten production engines were numbered from 7069 to 7078.
Later, some of these engines changed ownership. When British Rail was formed, three of them became part of their fleet. These were originally LMS numbers 7074, 7076, and 7079. British Rail renumbered them as 12000, 12001, and 12002.
Service During World War II
Most of the Class D3/6 locomotives had an interesting journey during World War II. In 1940, the remaining engines were sold to the British War Department. This department needed powerful engines to help with wartime efforts.
The engines were then shipped to France. They were used there to help move supplies and equipment. Sadly, many of these engines did not survive the war.
The Survivor: No. 7069
One of the first production locomotives, number 7069, was lucky. It survived the war in France. After the war ended, it continued to work in industrial service there. This means it was used by factories or other businesses.
Later, this historic engine was brought back to the United Kingdom. It was saved for preservation. Today, you can find this special locomotive at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. It is a great example of early diesel shunting technology.
