List of British Rail modern traction locomotive classes facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article is a list of all the different types of locomotives that have been used on the main railway lines in Britain since 1948. This includes trains that run on diesel, electricity, and even some special ones like gas turbine or petrol engines. Each type of train has a special code called a TOPS classification.

Diesel Locomotives: Powering the Rails
Electric Locomotives: Running on Wires
Special Locomotives and Other Rail Vehicles
Images for kids
See also

Diesel Locomotives: Powering the Rails

Diesel locomotives are trains that use a diesel engine to create power, either directly to the wheels or to generate electricity for motors. British Rail bought many different kinds of these trains.

Small Shunters: Under 300 Horsepower

Small shunters are like the busy little helpers of the railway. They are not very powerful, usually under 300 horsepower, but they are great for moving wagons and carriages around in small areas like train yards. Many of these smaller engines were used before the TOPS system was fully in place.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 01	1956–58	5	153 hp	These small shunters were used for light duties.
Class 02	1960–61	20	170 hp	Another group of small, hardworking shunters.
Class 03	1957–61	230	204 hp	This was a very common type of small shunter. Many were built! Class 03 diesel shunter 03090
Class 04	1952–62	142	204 hp	Some of these were even sent to Italy after they finished their work in Britain. Class 04 D2298 at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Class 05	1955–61	69	204 hp	These shunters were also quite popular. A Class 05 shunter
Class 06	1958–60	35	204 hp	You might have seen one of these working in a train yard. 06009 working at Dunfermline Townhill Wagon Repair Works in 1975
Class 07	1962	14	275 hp	These were a bit more powerful than some other small shunters. BR D2991 (07007)

Large Shunters: 300–799 Horsepower

These shunters were bigger and stronger, able to move heavier trains and wagons around larger railway yards.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 08	1953–62	996	350 hp	This is the most common shunter ever built for British Rail! Many are still in use today. Class 08 shunter 08509
Class 09	1959–62	26	350 hp	Some of these were actually rebuilt from Class 08 locomotives. Class 09 shunter 09012 at Brighton
Class 10	1955–62	146	350 hp	These shunters were also very common. Class 10 (D3452) in BR blue livery at Bodmin General
Class 11	1945–52	136	350 hp	These were originally from the LMS railway company. Class 11 locomotive 12077
Class 12	1949–52	24	350 hp	These were ordered by the Southern Railway. Class 12 locomotive 15224
Class 13	1965	3	360 hp	These special shunters were rebuilt from Class 08s to work on hump shunting yards, pushing wagons over a small hill to sort them. A Class 13 hump shunter

Type 1 Locomotives: 800 – 1,000 Horsepower

These were the first main line diesel locomotives, used for lighter passenger and freight trains.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 14 (Teddy Bear)	1964–65	56	700 hp	Nicknamed "Teddy Bears" because of their look, some were even sold to other countries. A Class 14 "Teddy Bear" locomotive
Class 15	1957–61	44	800 hp	Some of these were later used as non-moving units to heat electric trains. Class 15 D8233
Class 16	1958	10	800 hp	All of these locomotives were eventually scrapped. North British Type 1 D8404
Class 17 (Clayton Type 1)	1962–65	117	2× 450 hp	These had two smaller engines. Some were used for research. Class 17 D8574 at Glasgow
Class 19	2018	1	DVT	This was a special Mark 3 Driving Van Trailer rebuilt to power itself. Class 19 DVT 82115
Class 20	1957–68	228	1,000 hp	These distinctive locomotives are still in use today! Class 20 D8000 at the National Railway Museum

Type 2 Locomotives: 1,001 – 1,499 Horsepower

These were more powerful diesel locomotives, used for a wider range of passenger and freight services.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 21 (I) (NBL)	1958–60	58	1,000 hp	Some of these were later rebuilt into Class 29 locomotives. Class 21 (I) at Harringay West
Class 21 (II)	1991–2016	11	1,270-2,110 hp	These are modern diesel locomotives, still in use. Class 21 (II) locomotive Railion 6456
Class 22 (Baby Warship)	1959–62	58	1,000-1,100 hp	Nicknamed "Baby Warships," these were all withdrawn by 1972. Class 22 D6343
Class 23 (Baby Deltic)	1959	10	1,100 hp	Known as "Baby Deltics," one was used for research for a while. Class 23 D5901
Class 24	1958–61	151	1,160 hp	A very common type of diesel locomotive. Class 24 locomotive 24065
Class 25	1961-67	323	1,250 hp	Another very large class of diesel locomotives. Class 25 diesel locomotive
Class 26	1958	47	1,160 hp	These were used for many years on British railways. Class 26 locomotives 26014 and 26008
Class 27	1961–62	69	1,250 hp	These were used for both passenger and freight trains. Class 27 locomotive 27001
Class 28	1958–59	20	1,200 hp	One of these was used by the Research Division for testing. A 'Metrovick' Class 28 passing through Grange-over-Sands
Class 29	1965–1967	20	1,350 hp	These were rebuilt from the earlier Class 21 locomotives. Class 29 D6121
Classes 30 & 31	1957-62	263	1,250-1,365 hp	Many of these are still in use today, showing how long-lasting they are! Class 31 locomotive 31271

Type 3 Locomotives: 1,500–1,999 Horsepower

These powerful diesel locomotives were designed for heavier and faster trains.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Classes 33 & 34	1960–62	98	1,550 hp	Some of these are still in use with special railway companies. Class 33 locomotive D33025
Class 35 (Hymek)	1961–64	101	1,700 hp	Known as "Hymeks," these were hydraulic locomotives. Class 35 "Hymek" D7017
Class 37	1960–65	309	1,750 hp	A very popular and long-lasting class, many are still in use. Class 37 locomotive 37019

Type 4 Locomotives: 2,000–2,999 Horsepower

These were some of the most powerful diesel locomotives, used for express passenger services and heavy freight.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 40	1958–62	200	2,000 hp	These were a common sight on main lines for many years. Class 40 locomotive 40135
Class 41 (I) (Warship)	1958–59	5	2× 1,000 hp	These "Warship" class locomotives were withdrawn before the TOPS system started. A Class 41 "Warship" diesel-hydraulic locomotive
Class 41 (II)	1972	2	2,250 hp	These were the first power cars for the Prototype HST (High Speed Train). Class 41 (II) power car 41001
Class 42 (Warship)	1958–61	38	2× 1,135 hp	Another "Warship" class, some were used for testing. Class 42 "Warship" D832
Class 43 (I) (Warship)	1960–62	33	2× 1,100 hp	These were also part of the "Warship" family. Class 43 (I) D852
Class 43 (II)	1975–82	197	1,770 hp	These are the famous power cars for the InterCity 125 HST sets, many are still in use! Class 43 (II) HST power car 43058
Class 44 (Peak)	1959–60	10	2,300 hp	These were the first of the "Peak" family of locomotives. Class 44 "Peak" 44004
Class 45 (Peak)	1960–63	127	2,500 hp	A very large group of "Peak" locomotives. Class 45 "Peak" 45135
Class 46 (Peak)	1961	56	2,500 hp	More "Peak" locomotives, some were used for special departmental work. Class 46 at Exeter St. Davids
Class 47	1962–68	512	2,750 hp	This is the most numerous class of main line diesel locomotive in Britain! Many are still in use. Class 47 locomotive 47316
Class 48	1965–66	5	2,650 hp	These were later rebuilt and became part of the Class 47 family. Class 48 D1705
Class 50	1967–68	50	2,700 hp	These powerful locomotives are still in use by some freight companies. Class 50 locomotive 50049
Class 52 (Western)	1961–1964	74	2 x 1,350 hp	Known as "Westerns," these had a unique look and sound. Class 52 "Western" D1062
Class 53 (Falcon)	1961	1	2,880 hp	This was a special prototype locomotive, only one was built. Class 53 "Falcon" D0280
Class 57	1997–2004	33	2,580 hp	These were rebuilt from Class 47 locomotives and are still in use. Class 57 locomotive 57313

Type 5 Locomotives: Over 3,000 Horsepower

These are the most powerful diesel locomotives, designed for the heaviest and fastest trains.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Engine Power	Notes
Class 55 (Deltic)	1961–62	22	2× 1,650 hp	Famous for their unique sound and speed, these were very popular. Class 55 "Deltic" 55022
Class 56	1976–84	135	3,250 hp	Many of these are still in use for freight trains. Class 56 diesel locomotive 56006
Class 58	1983–87	50	3,300 hp	Some of these were later used in other countries like France and Spain. Class 58 locomotive 58001
Class 59	1985–95	15	3,300 hp	These powerful locomotives are still in use today. Class 59 locomotive 59001
Class 60	1989–93	100	3,100 hp	Designed for heavy freight, many are still in use. Class 60 locomotive 60068
Class 66	1998–2015	446	3,300 hp	This is a very common modern freight locomotive, still in use across Britain. Class 66 locomotive 66108
Class 67	1999–2000	30	3,200 hp	These are used for both passenger and freight duties and are still in use. Class 67 locomotive 67001
Class 68	2013–2017	34	3,800 hp	These modern locomotives are still in use. Class 68 locomotive 68013
Class 69	2020 (Planned)	16 (planned)	–	These are planned to be rebuilt from Class 56 locomotives. Class 69 locomotive 69001
Class 70 (II)	2009–2017	37	3,300 hp	These powerful freight locomotives are still in use. Class 70 (II) locomotive 70007

Electric Locomotives: Running on Wires

Electric locomotives get their power from overhead wires or a third rail. They are often used on busy lines or for high-speed trains.

TOPS Class	Built (Years)	How Many?	Power Supply	Power	Notes
Class 70 (I)	1941–1948	3	660/750 V DC	1,470 hp	These were built for the Southern Railway. Class 70 (I) electric locomotive
Class 71	1958–60	24	660/750 V DC	2,252 hp	These were used on the Southern Region. Class 71 E5001
Classes 72 & 73	1962–67	49	660/750 V DC, diesel	1,600 hp (electric), 600 hp (diesel)	These are special "Electro-Diesel" locomotives, meaning they can run on electricity or their own diesel engine. Many are still in use. Class 73 locomotive 73201
Class 74	1967–1968	10	660/750 V DC, diesel	2,500 hp (electric), 650 hp (diesel)	These were rebuilt from Class 71 locomotives to be Electro-Diesels. Class 74 locomotive 74003
Class 76	1941–53	58	1.5 kV DC	1,300 hp	A prototype was built in 1941. Class 76 26020 at the NRM
Class 77	1953–54	7	1.5 kV DC	2,490 hp	Some of these were sold to the Netherlands. Class 77 27000 at Crewe Works
Class 81	1959–1964	25	25 kV AC	3,680 hp	These were some of the first AC electric locomotives. Derelict Class 81 81015
Class 82	1960–62	10	25 kV AC	3,300 hp	These were also early AC electrics. Class 82 82008 at Crewe Works
Class 83	1960–62	15	25 kV AC	2,950 hp	Used on electrified lines. Class 83 83012 (previously E3035) at Doncaster Works
Class 84	1960–61	10	25 kV AC	3,560 hp	These were withdrawn by 1980. Class 84 84001 at Crewe Works
Class 85	1961–64	40	25 kV AC	3,200 hp	Another class of AC electric locomotives. Class 85 85007 at Carlisle
Class 86	1965–66	100	25 kV AC	3,600-5,000 hp	Many of these are still used in other countries like Bulgaria and Hungary. Class 86 86213 'Lancashire Witch'
Class 87	1973–75	36	25 kV AC	4,850-5,000 hp	Most of these are still in use in Bulgaria. Class 87 87028 at Crewe
Class 88 (II)	2015–16	10	25 kV AC, diesel	5,400 hp (electric), 940 hp (diesel)	These are modern "bi-mode" locomotives, meaning they can use electricity or diesel. They are still in use. Class 88 88003 at InnoTrans 2016
Class 89	1986	1	25 kV AC	5,748 hp	This was a special prototype locomotive. Class 89 89001 at Doncaster Works
Class 90	1987–90	50	25 kV AC	5,000 hp	These powerful electric locomotives are still in use. Class 90 90001 at Crewe
Class 91	1988–91	31	25 kV AC	6,480 hp	These are used for high-speed trains and are still in use. Class 91 91021 at Peterborough
Class 92	1993–96	46	750 V DC, 25 kV AC	5,360 hp (750V), 6,760 hp (25 kV)	These are special locomotives that can use two different types of electricity. They are still in use. Class 92 92027
Class 93 (II)	2022–2024	10	25 kV AC, battery, diesel	5,400 hp (25 kV), 540 hp (battery), 1,200 hp (diesel)	These are very modern "tri-mode" locomotives, meaning they can use electricity, batteries, or diesel! They are under construction. Class 93 locomotive

Special Locomotives and Other Rail Vehicles

British Rail also had some unique locomotives and other vehicles that were given special classifications.

Channel Tunnel Locomotives

Trains that go through the Channel Tunnel need to be very special because of the different railway systems in Britain and France.

Class 22 (II): These French electric locomotives were used for freight through the Channel Tunnel for a short time before the special Class 92 locomotives were ready.

SNCF Class BB 22200
Class 9000: These locomotives are used only for the Eurotunnel Shuttle services, carrying cars and lorries through the tunnel. They don't have a regular TOPS classification.

Eurotunnel 9015 Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Class 0001: These diesel-electric locomotives are used for rescue missions inside the Channel Tunnel.

Eurotunnel Class 0001

Departmental Locomotives

These are trains used for special railway jobs, like maintaining the tracks or for testing.

Class 97: This class was used for many different types of locomotives that were doing special engineering or testing work.

Class 97 locomotive 97303
Class 97/6: These were diesel shunting locomotives built especially for departmental duties.

Class 97/6 (97 651)

Steam Locomotives

Even after steam trains stopped running on most main lines in 1968, a special class was kept for them.

Class 98: This class was used for any steam locomotives that were still owned by British Rail, like those on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. It was also used for privately owned steam trains that were allowed to run on the main lines for special events.

Class 98 Vale of Rheidol locomotive

Gas Turbine Locomotives

These were experimental trains that used a gas turbine engine, similar to those in jet aircraft.

18000: This was a prototype gas turbine locomotive built in 1949.

Gas turbine locomotive 18000
18100: Another prototype gas turbine locomotive, built in 1951.

Gas turbine locomotive 18100

Class 99: A Special Case

When British Rail first started using the TOPS system, they even included ships that could carry trains! These ships were listed as "locomotives" in the system.

The ship SS Invicta at Newhaven in 1971, which was once classified as a "locomotive"

Today, the Class 99 number is used for a new type of "bi-mode" locomotive that can use two different power sources.

Locomotives Built by Companies for Testing

Sometimes, private companies would build new types of locomotives and let British Railways test them out on their lines. These were called "demonstrators."

Locomotive	Builder	Year Built	What Happened to It?
D0226 & D0227	English Electric	1956–60	D0226 is saved and can be seen today, but D0227 was scrapped. Experimental diesel-electric locomotive D0226
D0260 Lion	BRCWC	1962-3	This locomotive was returned to its builder and then scrapped. D0260 'Lion'
10800 Hawk	Brush Traction	1962-5	This locomotive was later used as a stationary generator before being scrapped. Locomotive 10800 'Hawk'
D0280 Falcon	Brush Traction	1961-5	This prototype locomotive was later sold to British Rail. Class 53 'Falcon' D0280
DP1 Deltic	English Electric	1955–61	This famous prototype locomotive was saved and can be seen in a museum. DP1 "Deltic" at National Rail Museum
DP2	English Electric	1962-7	This locomotive was unfortunately destroyed in a crash. Demonstration locomotive DP2 at Kings Cross
GT3 (Gas turbine)	English Electric	1961-2	The turbine was removed, and the locomotive was scrapped. GT3 at Leicester
HS4000 Kestrel	Brush Traction	1967–71	This powerful locomotive was sold to the Soviet Railways. HS4000 'Kestrel' at Derby Works

Trains That Were Planned But Never Built

Some TOPS class numbers were set aside for new types of locomotives that were planned but never actually built. This could be for many reasons, like changes in railway needs or new technologies.