British Rail Class 52

class of 74 C-C diesel-hydraulic locomotives

British Rail assigned Class 52 to the class of 74 large Type 4 diesel-hydraulic locomotives built for the Western Region of British Railways between 1961 and 1964. All were given two-word names, with the first word being Western, and thus the type became known as Westerns.

British Rail Class 52
D1048 Western Lady
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderBritish RailwaysSwindon and Crewe Works
Build date1961–1964
Total produced74
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteC-C
 • UICC'C'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve4.5 chains (91 m)
Wheelbase54 ft 8 in (16.66 m)
Length68 ft 0 in (20.73 m)
Width8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
Height12 ft 11+34 in (3.96 m)
Loco weight108 long tons (110 t)
Fuel capacity850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal)
Prime moverMaybach MD655, 2 off
TransmissionHydraulic
MU workingNot fitted
Train heatingSteam generator
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed90 mph (140 km/h)
Power outputEngines: 1,350 bhp (1,007 kW) × 2
At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 66,700 lbf (297 kN)
Brakeforce50 long tons-force (498 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD1000–D1073
Nicknames‘Westerns’
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Retired1973–1977