British Rail DP2

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English Electric DP2
DP2 at Kings Cross, 1963
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Serial numberEnglish Electric: 3205
Vulcan Foundry: D733
Build date1962
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.09 m)
Wheelbase58 ft 6 in (17.83 m)
Length69 ft 6 in (21.18 m)
Width8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight105 long tons (107 t)
Fuel capacity900 imp gal (4,100 l; 1,100 US gal)
Prime moverEE 16CSVT
Traction motorsEE, 6 off
TransmissionDiesel Electric
Train heatingClayton Mk.1 steam generator
ETH
Performance figures
Top speed90 mph (144.8 km/h)
Power output2,700 hp (2,000 kW)
Tractive effort50,000 lbf (222.41 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
Power classType 4
NumberDP2
Axle load classRoute Availability: 6
DispositionWrecked July 1967, withdrawn September 1967, scrapped

DP2, meaning Diesel Prototype number 2, was a prototype Type 4 mainline diesel locomotive built in 1962 by English Electric at their Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows to demonstrate its wares to British Railways. As the Deltics were then in production, it was decided to produce the locomotive on the same production line; the bodyshell used for DP2 reputedly being the eighteenth made. While DP2 looked like a Class 55 locomotive in outline, there were many detail differences; particularly the large bodyside radiator vents at one end, and the single roof fan as opposed to the four symmetrically placed fans on the Deltics. These differences were the external effect of DP2 being totally different from the twin-engined Deltics internally, being the forerunner of the Class 50.