British Rail Class 97/6 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail class 97/6
Locomotive 97651 at Pitsford and Brampton station on the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
Power type	Diesel-elctric
Builder	Ruston & Hornsby
Serial number	312990, 431758–431761
Build date	1952 (1), 1959 (4)
Configuration	0-6-0
UIC classification	C
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter	97650: 3 ft 2+1⁄2 in (0.978 m) 97651-97654: 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m)
Locomotive weight	97650: 28 long tons (28 t) 97651-97654: 30 long tons (30 t)
Prime mover	Ruston 6VPH
Engine RPM range	1,250 rpm (max)
Generator	BTH RTB6034
Traction motors	BTH RTA5041 (nose-suspended), 1 off
Top speed	20 mph (32 km/h)
Power output	165 hp (123 kW)
Tractive effort	17,000 lbf (75.6 kN)
Locomotive brakes	Straight air
Train brakes	97650: none 97651–97654: vacuum
Career	British Railways’ Western Region Chief Civil Engineer's department
Number	PWM 650–654 later 97650–97654
Axle load class	RA 1

The British Rail Class 97/6 0-6-0 diesel shunting locomotives were purpose-built for departmental duties by Ruston & Hornsby at Lincoln in 1953 (97650) or 1959 (97651-654). There are minor technical differences between 97650 and the 1959 batch.

Images for kids

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  PWM651 at Radyr, c. 1977.

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  97650 at Worcester Shrub Hill in 1979 - this loco was different to the others.

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  97651 as preserved.