British Rail Class 23 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English Electric Type 2 British Rail Class 23
“Baby Deltic” D5901 with the revised cab front.
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	English Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date	1959
Total production	10
Configuration	Bo-Bo
UIC classification	Bo'Bo'
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve	4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase	40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
Length	52 ft 6 in (16.00 m)
Width	8 ft 10+3⁄4 in (2.71 m)
Height	12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Locomotive weight	74 long tons (75.2 t)
Fuel capacity	550 imp gal (2,500 L; 660 US gal)
Prime mover	Napier T9-29 Deltic
Transmission	DC generator, DC traction motors
Multiple working	★ Blue star
Top speed	75 mph (121 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 1,100 hp (820 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum: 47,000 lbf (209.1 kN)
Train heating	Steam generator
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D5900–D5909
Nicknames	Baby Deltic
Axle load class	Route availability

British Rail Class 23, originally called English Electric Type 2, was a class of ten diesel-electric locomotives built by the English Electric Company in 1959. They were numbered from D5900 to D5909. The power unit was a Napier Deltic T9-29 9 cylinder engine of 1,100 bhp. This drove an EE generator, which powered the four traction motors. The Class 23 was nicknamed "Baby Deltic" because of its similarity to the Class 55.

Images for kids

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  D5900 in 1961 without yellow ends or headcode boxes.

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  D5907, as modified, at King's Cross in July 1966.

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  37372 at Barrow hill, March 2011

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  A crude Lone Star OOO gauge model.