British Rail Class D3/6

class of 11 350hp diesel-electric switchers

Class D3/6 were diesel shunters built in 1935 by English Electric for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. They were the first of a new design of diesel shunters based on the English Electric 6K of 350 hp diesel engine. One demonstrator and ten production locomotives were built, numbered 7079 and 7069-7078 by the LMS. Three of these later became British Rail numbers 12000–12002 (previously 7074/76/79 respectively). The remainder were sold to the British War Department in 1940 and were shipped to France during World War II. Of these the first production locomotive, no. 7069, survived the war and was used in industrial service in France. It was later repatriated for preservation and is now based at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

British Rail Class D3/6
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderEnglish Electric at Hawthorn Leslie
Serial numberHL: 3841–3850, 3816
Build date1934 (1), 1935 (10)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-6-0 DE
 • UICC
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter4 ft 0+12 in (1.232 m)
Loco weight51.45 long tons (52.28 t)
Prime moverEnglish Electric 6K
Traction motorsEnglish Electric, 2 off
MU workingNot fitted
Train heatingNone
Performance figures
Top speed30 mph (48 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 350 hp (261 kW)
Tractive effort30,000 lbf (133.4 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)London, Midland and Scottish Railway,
War Department,
British Railways
ClassLMS: 0F; BR: D3/6
NumberLMS 7069–7079;
BR 12000–12002
Axle load classRoute availability 5