NCC Class X

Elevation of NCC Class X diesel-hydraulic locomotive No.17

Type and origin
Power type	Diesel
Builder	Harland and Wolff, Belfast
Build date	1936

Specifications
Configuration	0-6-0
UIC class	C
Gauge	5 ft 3 in (1,600 mm)
Wheel diameter	4 ft 1 ¹⁄₂ in (1.257 m)
Wheelbase	12 ft 0 in (3.66 m)
Length	32 ft 4 ¹⁄₂ in (9.87 m)
Width	9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Height	13 ft 1 in (3.99 m)
Loco weight	49 long tons (54.9 short tons; 49.8 t)
Fuel capacity	480 imp gal (2,200 L; 580 US gal)
Engine type	2-stroke Diesel
Cylinders	8
Cylinder size	135 mm × 220 mm (5.31 in × 8.66 in)
Transmission	Hydraulic

Performance figures
Maximum speed	50 mph (80 km/h)
Power output	330 bhp (250 kW)
Tractive effort	Low gear: 24,000 lb (11,000 kg) High gear: 7,200 lb (3,300 kg)

Career
Operators	NCC / UTA / NIR
Number in class	1
Numbers	17
Scrapped	1970

The Northern Counties Committee (NCC) Class X was a solitary diesel-hydraulic shunting (switcher) locomotive built by Harland and Wolff (H&W) for service in the NCC's yards and at Belfast docks. It was one of several pioneering designs of diesel locomotive produced by H&W under their Harlandic trademark during the 1930s and 1940s.

History

There was only one member of Class X, No.17. It was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast and delivered to the NCC in 1936 under a lease arrangement; it was not actually taken into stock until 1941 when the NCC purchased it. No.17 had an 0-6-0 wheel arrangement and was powered by an eight-cylinder diesel engine developing 330 bhp (250 kW) at 1200 rpm.

Transmission was via a torque converter and a jackshaft final drive mounted ahead of the leading coupled wheels. In addition, there was a two-speed gearbox with ratios of 5.76:1 and 19.52:1 giving top speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and 15 mph (24 km/h) respectively in both forward and reverse. As delivered, it had its maker's trade name Harlandic on a plate just below the front headlight.

No.17 spent its career working out of the limelight on the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ lines at Belfast and within the NCC's own yards. It survived Ulster Transport Authority (UTA) ownership and entered Northern Ireland Railways stock in 1967 but saw little or no work before it was scrapped in mid-1970.

Livery

Under NCC ownership, No.17 was painted black with red bufferbeams. It had brass number plates with red backgrounds which bore a highly stylised "17" in the same manner as the NCC steam engines. The initials "NCC" were applied to the side panels in shaded gold serif capitals.

When the UTA took over, No.17 was repainted black with vermilion and yellow lining. The UTA roundel replaced the "NCC" on the side panels.

References

Allan, Jonathan M. (2003). 35 Years of NIR 1967-2002. Newtownards: Colourpoint Books. ISBN 1-904242-00-6.
Flanagan, Colm (2003). Diesel Dawn. Newtownards: Colourpoint Books. ISBN 1-904242-08-1.
London Midland and Scottish Railway (Northern Counties Committee). Class X general arrangement drawing. Belfast: LMS (NCC).

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