British Rail Class 04

class of 142 204hp diesel-mechanical shunting locomotives


The British Rail Class 04 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunting locomotive class was built between 1952 and 1962. It was the basis for the later Class 03 built in the British Railways workshops. The Class 04 locomotives were supplied by the Drewry Car Co., which at the time (and for most of its existence) had no manufacturing capability. Drewry sub-contracted the construction work to two builders. Both of these built other locomotives under the same arrangement. Early locomotives were built by Vulcan Foundry and later examples were built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns.

British Rail Class 04
D2298, as preserved at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.
(NB - few examples were given any form of blue livery while in service with British Railways)
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-mechanical
BuilderDrewry Car Co., at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns
Build date1957–1962
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-6-0
 • UICC
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameterD2200–D2214: 3 ft 3 in (0.991 m)
D2215–D2273: 3 ft 6 in (1.067 m)
D2274–D2339: 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve2 chains (40 m)
Wheelbase9 ft 0 in (2.74 m)
Length26 ft 0+12 in (7.94 m)
Width8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Height12 ft 1+12 in (3.696 m)
Loco weight30.2 long tons (30.7 t) to 32 long tons (32.5 t)
Fuel capacity225 imp gal (1,020 L; 270 US gal) to
300 imp gal (1,400 L; 360 US gal)
Prime moverGardner 8L3
TransmissionWilson-Drewry 5 speed epicyclic gearbox
Train heatingNone
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed25 mph (40 km/h) to
27 mph (43 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 204 hp (152 kW)
At rail: 152 hp (113 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 16,850 lbf (75.0 kN) to
15,650 lbf (69.6 kN)
Brakeforce14 long tons-force (139.5 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD2200–D2341
Axle load classD2200–D2214: RA 1
D2215–D2340: RA 2