British Rail D0260 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BRCW / AEI Lion |
|
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company and AEI Ltd |
| Serial number | DEL260 |
| Build date | 1962 |
| UIC classification | Co'Co' |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) |
| Wheelbase | 50 ft 9 in (15.47 m) |
| Length | 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 114 long tons (116 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Sulzer 12LDA28-C |
| Traction motors | AEI, 6 off |
| Transmission | Diesel-electric |
| Top speed | 100 mph (160 km/h) |
| Power output | 2,750 hp (2,050 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 55,000 lbf (244.65 kN) |
| Train heating | Steam generator |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D0260 |
| Axle load class | RA 7 |
| Disposition | Returned to manufacturer, scrapped |
D0260, known as Lion, was a special test train built in 1962. It was a powerful Type 4 diesel-electric locomotive. This means it used a diesel engine to make electricity, which then powered electric motors to move the train.
The Lion was built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company. They worked with other companies like Sulzer and Associated Electrical Industries. They built it at their factory in Smethwick, Birmingham. The main goal was to show British Railways what they could build. The train's number, D0260, came from its factory number, DEL260.
Contents
What Was the Lion?
The Lion was a prototype locomotive. This means it was a one-of-a-kind test model. It was built to try out new ideas and technologies. It helped engineers learn what worked best for future trains.
Why Was It Built?
The companies wanted to impress British Railways. They hoped British Railways would order more trains like the Lion. It was a way to show off their skills and new designs.
Key Features of the Lion
The Lion was designed to be a strong and fast train. It had a powerful Sulzer engine. This engine helped it reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. It was also very heavy, weighing 114 tons. This weight helped it pull long and heavy trains.
Power and Performance
The Lion's engine produced 2,750 horsepower. This made it one of the most powerful trains of its time. It could pull trains with a lot of force, known as tractive effort. This power was important for moving goods and passengers across the country.
What Happened to the Lion?
After its testing period, the Lion was returned to its builders. It was not kept by British Railways. Sadly, it was later taken apart, which is called being scrapped. This means its parts were recycled.
Images for kids
-
The Heljan 00 gauge model of Lion, from the Nº1 end and the roof cooling group
.jpg)
