British Rail Class 46

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Derby Type 4
British Rail Class 46
Class 46
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBritish RailwaysDerby Works
Build date1961–1963
Total produced56
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte1Co-Co1
 • UIC(1Co)'(Co1)'
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve3.5 chains (70 m)
Wheelbase59 ft 8 in (18.19 m)
Length67 ft 11 in (20.70 m)
Width8 ft 10+12 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight138 long tons (140 t)
Fuel capacity790 imp gal (3,600 L; 950 US gal)
Prime moverSulzer 12LDA28-B
MU working Blue Star
Train heatingSteam generator
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed90 mph (145 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW)
At rail: 1,962 hp (1,463 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN)
Brakeforce63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD138–D193; later 46001–46056
Nicknames‘Peak’
Axle load classRoute availability 7

The British Rail Class 46 is a class of diesel locomotive. They were built from 1961–1963 at British Railways' Derby Works and were initially numbered D138-D193. With the arrival of TOPS computer system they were renumbered to Class 46. Fifty-six locomotives were built. The first was withdrawn in 1977 and all of them were withdrawn by 1984.

The Class 46 design was structurally the same as the earlier Class 45 build, and had the same Sulzer engine. It differed in the fitment of a Brush generator and traction motors, in place of the Crompton Parkinson equipment fitted to the Class 45.