British Rail Class 23

class of 10 Bo′Bo′ 1100hp diesel-electric locomotives

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.

English Electric Type 2
British Rail Class 23
“Baby Deltic” D5901 with the revised cab front.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric at Vulcan Foundry
Build date1959
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteBo-Bo
 • UICBo'Bo'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
Length52 ft 6 in (16.00 m)
Width8 ft 10+34 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Loco weight74 long tons (75.2 t)
Fuel capacity550 imp gal (2,500 L; 660 US gal)
Prime moverNapier T9-29 Deltic
TransmissionDC generator, DC traction motors
MU working Blue star
Train heatingSteam generator
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 1,100 hp (820 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 47,000 lbf (209.1 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD5900–D5909
NicknamesBaby Deltic
Axle load classRoute availability