British Rail DP2 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English Electric DP2
DP2 at Kings Cross, 1963
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder English Electric at Vulcan Foundry Serial number English Electric: 3205 Vulcan Foundry: D733 Build date 1962
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Wheel diameter 3 ft 7 in (1.09 m) Wheelbase 58 ft 6 in (17.83 m) Length 69 ft 6 in (21.18 m) Width 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) Height 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) Loco weight 105 long tons (107 t) Fuel capacity 900 imp gal (4,100 l; 1,100 US gal) Prime mover EE 16CSVT Traction motors EE, 6 off Transmission Diesel Electric Train heating Clayton Mk.1 steam generator ETH
Performance figures Power output 2,700 hp (2,000 kW) Tractive effort 50,000 lbf (222.41 kN)
Career Power class Type 4 Axle load class Route Availability: 6 Disposition Wrecked July 1967, withdrawn September 1967, scrapped

The DP2 was a special test train built in 1962. It was made by a company called English Electric at their Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows. DP2 stands for Diesel Prototype number 2. It was a powerful 'Type 4' diesel locomotive. English Electric built it to show British Railways what kind of amazing trains they could make.

Building a Special Train

At the time, English Electric was already building other famous trains called 'Deltics' (which were Class 55 locomotives). Because of this, they decided to build the DP2 on the same production line. It's even said that the body of DP2 was the 18th one made on that line!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Even though DP2 looked a lot like the Deltic trains from the outside, it had many differences. For example, it had big vents on its side for cooling. It also had only one fan on its roof, while the Deltics had four fans placed evenly. These differences were because DP2 was built very differently inside. It was actually a test version for another type of train that would later become the Class 50 locomotive.

What Happened to DP2?

Sadly, the DP2 train had a very short life. In July 1967, it was involved in a serious accident. Because of the damage, it was taken out of service in September 1967. After that, it was taken apart and scrapped.

Images for kids

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  DP2 at Crewe around 1962.

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  DP2 at King's Cross, 1963.