British Rail Class 17

British diesel-electric locomotive

The British Rail Class 17, originally known as the Clayton Type 1, was a class of diesel locomotive operated by British Railways.

Clayton Type 1
British Railways class 17
D8574 at Glasgow Works.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderClayton Equipment Company & Beyer, Peacock & Co.
Build date1962–1965
Total produced117
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteBo-Bo
 • UICBo'Bo'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 3+12 in (1.003 m)
Minimum curve3.5 chains (70 m)
Wheelbase36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Length50 ft 7 in (15.42 m)
Width8 ft 9+12 in (2.68 m)
Height12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Loco weight69 long tons (70.1 t)
Fuel capacity500 imp gal (2,300 L; 600 US gal)
Prime moverPaxman 6ZHXL, 2 off
except D8586–8587: Rolls Royce ‘D’ type V8, 2 off
GeneratorD8500–D8587: GEC WT800
D8588–D8616: Crompton Parkinson
Traction motorsGEC WT421, nose suspended, 4 off
TransmissionDC generator, DC traction motors
MU workingD8500–D8587 Red Diamond
D8588–D8616 Blue Star
Train heatingNone; through steam pipe
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed60 mph (97 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 900 hp (671 kW)
At rail: 602 hp (449 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 40,000 lbf (178 kN)
Continuous: 8,000 lbf (35.6 kN)
Brakeforce35 long tons-force (349 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD8500–D8616
Axle load classRoute availability 4
Retired1968–1971
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped.