British Rail Class 20
| English Electric Type 1 British Rail Class 20 |
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| Hunslet-Barclay 20903 on a weedkilling train at Doncaster, April 1994 | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
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| Builder | English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns |
| Build date | 1957–1962, 1966–1968 |
| Configuration | Bo-Bo |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
| Gauge | 4 ft 81⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) |
| Minimum curve | 3.5 chains (70 m) |
| Wheelbase | 32 ft 6 in (9.9 m) |
| Length | 46 ft 9½ in (14.26 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 9 in (2.7 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 8 in (3.9 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 72 long tons (73.2 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 380 imp gal (1,700 l; 460 US gal) |
| Prime mover | English Electric 8 SVT Mk.II |
| Traction motors | D8000–D8049: EE 526/5D Remainder: EE 526/8D |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Multiple working | ★ Blue Star |
| Top speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 1,000 hp (746 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 42,000 lbf (186.8 kN) |
| Train heating | None |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 35 LTf (349 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D8000–D8199, D8300–D8327; later 20001–20228 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 5 |
The British Rail Class 20, also known as an English Electric Type 1, is a class of diesel electric locomotive. 228 locomotives in the class were built by English Electric between 1957 and 1968. The large number was partly to do with the failure of other early designs in the same power range, and reliable locomotives veing needed.
The locomotives were originally numbered D8000–D8199 and D8300–D8327. They are known by railway enthusiasts as "Choppers"[1][2], a name taken from the distinctive beat the engine produces under load which resembles the sound of a helicopter.
[change] References
- ↑ Oakley, Michael (1981). BR Class 20 diesels. Truro: Bradford Barton / D&EG. ISBN 0 85153 419 8.
- ↑ "'At least 20 20s' for Barrow Hill diesel jubilee". The Railway Magazine: page 9. July 2007.
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