British Rail D0260

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lion
Builder: AEI Ltd
Introduced: 1962
Early numbers: D0260
Engine: Sulzer 12LDA28-C
Transmission: Diesel Electric
Wheel layout: Co-Co
Wheel diameter: 45 in (1,143 mm)
Wheelbase: 50 ft 9 in (15.5 m)
Length: 63 ft 6 in (19.4 m)
Width: 8 ft 10 in (2.7 m)
Height: 12 ft 10 in (3.9 m)
Weight: 114 long tons (116 t)
Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h)
Engine power: 2,750 bhp (2051 kW)
Maximum TE: 55,000 lbf (245 kN)
Heating type: Steam
Fuel capacity: 850 imp gal (3,900 l)

D0260, named Lion, was a prototype Type 4 mainline diesel locomotive built in 1962 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, in association with Sulzer and Associated Electrical Industries, at their Smethwick works in Birmingham to demonstrate their wares to British Railways. The locomotive's number was derived from its works number, 260.

It was of Co-Co wheel arrangement and was fitted with a Sulzer 12LDA28C engine of 2750 hp. It had a maximum speed of 100 mph and weighed 114 tons. It was painted white with five gold stripes along the bottom half of its bodyside.

BR tested it initially on Western Region services out of London Paddington, and later on the Eastern Region from London King's Cross. However, BR decided to purchase its new Type 4 fleet from Brush Traction (the Class 47) and so D0260 was withdrawn and scrapped in November 1963 at BRCW Smethwick.

[edit] Sources

  • Stevens-Stratten, S.W.; Carter, R.S. (1978). British Rail Main-Line Diesels. Shepperton: Ian Allen Ltd. ISBN 0 7110 0617 2.