LNER Class Y11 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LNER Class Y11 |
|
| Power type | Petrol-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Builder | Motor Rail & Tram Car Co. Ltd. |
| Model | Simplex |
| Build date | 1919, 1920, 1925 |
| Configuration | 0-4-0 |
| UIC classification | B |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 1 in (0.940 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 8 long tons (8.1 t) |
| Prime mover | Dorman 4JO |
| Engine type | Petrol |
| Transmission | Mechanical, two-speed Dixon-Abbot, chain final drive |
| Top speed | 7.2 mph (11.6 km/h) |
| Power output | 40 hp (30 kW) |
| Tractive effort | 3,750 lbf (16.7 kN) |
| Locomotive brakes | Air |
| Train brakes | None |
| Career | Great Eastern Railway, North British Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, British Railways |
| Number in class | 3 |
| Axle load class | Route Availability: 1 |
| Retired | 1950–1956 |
| Disposition | Unknown |
The LNER Class Y11 was a special type of small train that ran on petrol, not steam! These little locomotives were built by a company called Motor Rail & Tram Car Company Limited, known for their "Simplex" brand. They were first used between 1919 and 1925 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Later, when British Railways took over, these trains were given new numbers: 15097, 15098, and 15099.
Contents
What Was the LNER Class Y11?
The LNER Class Y11 was a small, petrol-powered locomotive. It was designed to move things around, especially in places like railway yards or industrial sites. These trains were much smaller than the big steam engines you might imagine.
How It Worked
Unlike most trains of its time, the Y11 used a petrol engine, similar to a car's engine, but much bigger. It had a Dorman 4JO engine that could produce about 40 horsepower. This power was sent to the wheels through a mechanical system, which included a two-speed gearbox.
The Y11 was a "0-4-0" type locomotive. This means it had four driving wheels and no leading or trailing wheels. This design made it very good at moving slowly and carefully, which was perfect for shunting. Its top speed was quite low, around 7.2 miles per hour (11.6 km/h).
Why Petrol Power?
Using petrol instead of coal and steam had some advantages. Petrol engines could start up quickly and didn't need a lot of water or coal. They also produced less smoke and were often used for lighter duties where a big steam engine wasn't needed.
History and Use
Only three of these Y11 locomotives were built. They were introduced over several years, starting in 1919 and ending in 1925. They worked for the LNER, one of the "Big Four" railway companies in Britain before nationalization.
Where They Worked
These small locomotives were mainly used for shunting. Shunting means moving railway wagons or carriages from one track to another within a railway yard or at a factory. They helped organize trains and move goods around.
Retirement
The LNER Class Y11 locomotives served for many years. They were eventually retired from service between 1950 and 1956. By this time, newer and more powerful diesel locomotives were becoming common, taking over many of the jobs these small petrol trains used to do.
