British Rail Class 28

class of 20 Co′Bo′ 1200hp diesel-electric locomotives

The British Rail Class 28, originally known as Metropolitan-Vickers Type 2, diesel locomotives were built as part of the British Railways Modernisation Plan. The locomotives had a Co-Bo wheel arrangement. There was a 6-wheel bogie at one end a 4-wheel bogie at the other end. This wheel arrangement was unique in British Railways practice but not uncommon in some other countries, notably Japan. This affected their route availability, due to the different axle loading at each end of the loco, and made maintenance more complicated. The maximum tractive effort was unusually high for a Type 2 locomotive but, as there were five (not four) driving axles, the risk of wheelslip was minimal.

Metropolitan Vickers Type 2
British Rail Class 28
Two 'Metrovicks' Nos. D5703 & D5710 passing through Millbrook in 1960
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderMetropolitan-Vickers’ Bowesfield Works, Stockton-on-Tees.
Build date1958–1959
Total produced20
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteCo-Bo
 • UICCo'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)
Wheelbase42 ft 9 in (13.03 m)
Length56 ft 7+12 in (17.26 m)
Width8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Height12 ft 1+12 in (3.70 m)
Loco weight97 long tons (98.6 t)
Fuel capacity510 imp gal (2,300 L; 610 US gal)
Prime moverCrossley HST V8
Traction motorsMetropolitan-Vickers 137BZ, 5 off
TransmissionDC generator, DC traction motors
MU working Red Circle
Train heatingSpanner steam generator of 1,500 pounds (680 kg) per hour
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 1,200 hp (895 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD5700–D5719
Axle load classRoute availability 8
RetiredDecember 1967 – September 1969
DispositionOne preserved, remainder scrapped

Preservation

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D5705 is preserved at the East Lancashire Railway.[1]

References

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  1. "Engine Shed". The East Lancashire Railway.