| BR Class 40 |
| TOPS numbers |
40001–40200 |
| Early numbers |
D200–D399 |
| Builder |
English Electric
|
| Introduced |
1958–1962 |
| Wheel Arrangement |
1Co-Co1 |
| Weight |
132 long tons |
134 tonnes |
| Height |
ft in |
m |
| Width |
9 ft 1 in |
2.78 m |
| Length |
69 ft 6 in |
21.18 m |
| Wheel Dia. |
36 in/45 in |
914/1143 mm |
| Wheel Base |
ft |
m |
| Minimum radius |
chains |
m |
| Maximum speed |
90 mph |
145 km/h |
| Engine |
English Electric 16SVT Mk2 |
| Engine output |
2,000 hp |
1490 kW |
| Max. Tractive Effort |
52,000 lbf |
230 kN |
| Power at Rail |
1,550 hp |
1,160 kW |
| Brake type |
Air & vacuum |
| Brake force |
51 tons force |
510 kN |
| Route availability |
6 |
| Fuel Tank |
715 imperial gallons |
3,250 litres |
| Heating type |
Steam |
| Multiple working |
Not equipped |
The British Rail Class 40 diesel locomotive was built by English Electric from 1958-62.
Description
Introduced between 1958 and 1962, 200 of this English Electric design were built and were the pride of the British Rail early diesel fleet. Locomotives were originally numbered in the range D200-D399, and were built in the standard BR Green livery. Despite their initial success, however, by the time the last examples were entering service they had already been replaced on top link duties by more powerful locomotives.
The class was built in three batches. Numbers D200-D323 were built with headcode markers, which BR used to identify services. Numbers D324-D340 were built with split headcode boxes, which replaced the markers, and consisted of two two-character roller blinds. Finally D341-D399 were built with centre headcode boxes.
From 1973, locomotives were renumbered into the new computer numbering system. Generally locomotives were renumbered in sequence into the range 40001-199. However, the first built, number D200, was renumbered 40122, which was vacant as number D322 had been written-off in an accident.
Several locomotives in the range D210-D235 (later 40010-035) were named after cruise ships operated by the company Cunard. Examples included Aquitania, Lancastria, and Lusitania.
The class provided sterling service for over twenty years and were mainly to be found in the north of England as well as Scotland. Locomotives started to be taken out of use in the early 1980s, as they were considered under-powered. The last locomotives were taken out of regular service by 1985. However, four locomotives were subsequently returned to service as Class 97 departmental locomotives, numbered 97405-408. They were used to work engineering trains for a remodelling project at Crewe. These were withdrawn in 1986/87, but three were subsequently preserved.
The first-built locomotive, D200, was returned to use by British Rail in 1985, painted in its original green livery. It was used to haul excursion and charter trains across the network. It was eventually withdrawn in 1988, and presented to the National Railway Museum.
Other locomotives of note were number D326, which was the engine used to haul the train involved in the Great Train Robbery in 1966, and number 40106, which retained its original green livery throught its career, and was later named Atlantic Conveyor, after the ship of the same name sunk in the Falklands War.
Preservation
Seven locomotives have been preserved on heritage railways, including the first built, number D200.
