British Rail Class 22

North British Type 2 diesel-hydraulic British Rail Class 22
D6343 with Hymek D7072 at Old Oak Common, 1965
Power type	Diesel-hydraulic
Builder	North British Locomotive Co.
Build date	1959–1962
Total produced	58
Configuration	B-B
UIC classification	B'B'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Standard gauge
Wheel diameter	3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Wheelbase	31 ft 6 in (9.60 m)
Length	46 ft 8 1⁄2 in (14.237 m)
Width	8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
Height	12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Locomotive weight	D6300–D6305: 68 long tons (69.1 t) D6306–D6357: 65 long tons (66.0 t)
Fuel capacity	450 imp gal (2,000 l; 540 US gal)
Prime mover	D6300-D6305, NBL / MAN L12V18/21A 64litres 1,000 bhp (750 kW) at 1445rpm D6306-D6357, NBL / MAN L12V18/21B 64litres 1,100 bhp (820 kW) at 1530rpm
Transmission	Hydraulic: Voith / NBL LT306r
Multiple working	D6300–D6305: ■ Orange square D6306–D6357: ◆ White diamond
Top speed	75 mph (121 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 1,000 hp (746 kW) or 1,100 hp (820 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 40,000 lbf (177.9 kN)
Train heating	1,000 pounds (450 kg) per hour steam generator
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D6300–D6357
Nicknames	Baby Warship
Axle load class	GWR: ●Yellow BR: Route availability 4
Retired	1967–1972
Disposition	All scrapped

The British Rail Class 22 or "Baby Warship" was a class of diesel-hydraulic locomotives designed for the Western Region of British Railways and built by the North British Locomotive Company. They were very similar in appearance to the Class 21 diesel-electrics. The nickname Baby Warship related to the similarity in appearance (and internal equipment) to the British Rail Class D20/2 or Class 41 Warship Class.

History

Introduction

D6300 was introduced to traffic in 1959 and deliveries continued through until 1962. The Class 22s were allocated to Bristol Bath Road, Laira Plymouth, Newton Abbot and Old Oak Common. The majority of the class always operated in the West of England, on a range of local passengera and freight work, with smaller numbers of the later units operating on local work in the Bristol and around London Paddington (notably moving empty carriages between the mai station and Old Oak Common yard).

Availability

Initially the locomotives had some problems with engine and transmission faults, but could be returned to North British Locomotive Works (NBL) for repair under the contractual agreement. By 1961, reliability had improved. With the more powerful Hymeks and Warships being available, the locomotives were displaced onto more secondary lines. By the mid 1960s, the locos had settled down to give reliable service, with availability over 85%.

Decline

NBL went bankrupt in 1962 and, by the late 1960s, withdrawn locomotives were being used to provide spares. Attrition was inevitable and the withdrawals, which had commenced in 1967, finished with the withdrawal of 6333, 6336, 6338 and 6339 in December 1971. Ex-London Midland Region Class 25 diesel-electrics were drafted in as replacements.

Livery

The NBL type 2s were introduced in all-over green livery with a light grey skirt band, mid-grey roof, red buffer beams and black underframe. Numbers appeared below all four cab windows and the BR 'lion and wheel' emblem was placed high on the bodyside as centrally as possible. Later a small yellow warning was added. From 1967 locos were repainted in the new corporate rail blue livery with full yellow ends. The 'arrows of confusion' logo was placed immediately below each cab window, with the loco number below this; on some locos this was reversed.

Preservation attempt

The class is now extinct, but an attempt was made to preserve D6319. A purchase price was agreed with BR but it was cut up by staff at Swindon Works. BR became embarrassed and offered the purchaser a Warship class locomotive at the same price and D821 Greyhound thus became the first preserved ex-BR mainline diesel locomotive.

Class 22 electric locomotive

Class 22 was also used as the TOPS classification for the dual voltage BB 22200 Class locomotives belonging to SNCF that were utilised on freight workings through the Channel Tunnel prior to the delivery of the Class 92 locomotives during 1994 and 1995.

Models

Dapol released a 00 gauge model of the class 22 in late 2011.

References and notes

Sources

• Preedy, Norman E; Gillham, G F (1974). WR Diesel Hydraulics. Truro: D Bradford Barton. 
• Stevens-Stratten, S.W.; Carter, R.S. (1978). British Rail Main-Line Diesels. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. ISBN 0 7110 0617 2. 
• Ian Allan ABC of British Railways Locomotives, summer 1966 edition

Further reading

• McManus, Michael. Ultimate Allocations, British Railways Locomotives 1948 - 1968. Wirral. Michael McManus. 

External links

• The Western Region Archive D6300 class introduction Brief class history, technical details and specifications greatwestern.org.uk