British Rail Class D3/7 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class D3/7 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | London, Midland and Scottish Railway’s Derby Works |
| Build date | 1939–1942 |
| Total production | 40 |
| Configuration | 0-6-0 DE |
| UIC classification | C |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 4 ft 3 in (1.295 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 7080–7099: 55.25 long tons (56.14 t), 7100–7119: 53.50 long tons (54.36 t) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 6K |
| Traction motors | English Electric, 1 off |
| Top speed | 20 mph (32 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 350 bhp (261 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 33,000 lbf (146.8 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Career | London, Midland and Scottish Railway, British Railways |
| Class | LMS: 0F, BR: D3/7; later 3/8 and 3/8B |
| Number | LMS:7080–7119; BR: 12003–12032 |
| Axle load class | 7080–7099: RA 7, 7110–7119: RA 6 |
| Retired | 1964(1), 1966–1967 |
The British Rail Class D3/7 was a type of diesel locomotive used for shunting. Shunting means moving train cars around in a railway yard or station. These locomotives were built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) at their Derby Works in England. Construction took place between May 1939 and July 1942.
These shunters were similar to an earlier model, the British Rail Class D3/6. They both used the same English Electric 6K diesel engine, which produced 350 horsepower. A special feature of the D3/7 was its "Jackshaft" system. This connected the engine to the wheels in a unique way, similar to some diesel mechanical shunters.
Contents
What Were These Locomotives Used For?
The LMS gave these locomotives numbers from 7080 to 7119. They were mainly used for shunting duties. This involved moving wagons and carriages to build up trains or to sort them out.
How Many Were Built?
A total of 40 of these locomotives were built. They played an important role in moving goods and materials around railway yards during a busy time in history.
Their Role in World War II
During World War II, ten of these locomotives were loaned to the War Department in 1941. The War Department later bought them in 1942. These locomotives helped with wartime efforts by moving supplies and equipment.
Where Did They Go After the War?
All ten locomotives that served with the War Department survived the war. After the war ended, six of them were sold to Egyptian Railways. The other four were sold to the Italian State Railways, known as Ferrovie dello Stato (FS). This shows how these British-built locomotives traveled to other countries.
When Were They Retired?
Most of the British Rail Class D3/7 locomotives were retired from service between 1966 and 1967. One locomotive was retired a bit earlier in 1964.
