British Rail Class 05

British Rail Class 05
This preserved locomotive at the Didcot Railway Centre is an industrial example, built to the same design as the British Rail Class 05
Type and origin Power type Diesel-mechanical Builder Hunslet Engine Co. Build date 1955–1961
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC C Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Wheel diameter 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m) Minimum curve 2 chains (40 m) Wheelbase 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) Length 25 ft 4 in (7.72 m) Width 8 ft 3 in (2.51 m) Height 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m) Fuel capacity 300 imp gal (1,400 L; 360 US gal) Prime mover Gardner 8L3 Engine type Four-stroke diesel Transmission Hunslet 4-speed gearbox, Hunslet patent friction clutch, Hunslet reversing gearbox and final drive. Train heating None Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Power output Engine: 204 hp (152 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 14,500 lbf (64 kN) Brakeforce 14 long tons-force (139 kN)
Career Number in class 69 Axle load class RA 2 Retired 1966–1968 (except D2554)

The British Rail Class 05 is a class of 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunters built by Hunslet Engine Company from 1955 to 1961. They were used on the Eastern and Scottish Regions of British Railways. Initially they were numbered 11136-11176 and, later, D2550-D2619.

Overview

Most were withdrawn early and replaced by classes 03 and 04 but there was one exception. This was D2554 which was transferred to the Isle of Wight in 1966 to aid the electrification of the Island Line. Shortly afterwards it was given the TOPS number 05001. This shunter was the only one to receive a TOPS number. The main reason for this was that all the others were replaced and that it was best suited for the island. It remained in service until about 1985 before being sold to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet.

Didcot Railway Centre has an industrial example (built to the same design as a Class 05) preserved after being used by the National Coal Board in the northeast. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway's own 05001/D2554 can be seen frequently but unfortunately it cannot run passenger trains, due to the Island's unique vintage air braked rolling stock.

Technical details

The engine is a Gardner 8-cylinder, 4 stroke 8L3 of 204 hp (152 kW) connected to a Hunslet 4-speed gearbox through a Hunslet patent friction clutch. Final drive is via a Hunslet reversing gearbox and jackshaft.

Preservation

Four class 05 Diesel Shunters have been preserved:

• D2554 "Nuclear Fred" at Isle of Wight Steam Railway. This engine has, at various times, carried the numbers 11140, 05001 and 97803
• D2578 "Cider Queen", privately preserved
• D2587 by Heritage Shunters Trust
• D2595 at Ribble Steam Railway

References

• Marsden, Colin J. (1981). Motive power recognition:1 Locomotives. Shepperton: Ian Allen Ltd. ISBN 0 7110 1109 5.

External links

• Images of 05001 at Sandown in 1976
• Photo at TheRailwayCentre.com
• Picture of 05001 at Ryde Pier Head durring a rare trip out from Sandown in 1983.
• Picture of 05001 at Sandown