British Rail Class 31

The British Rail Class 31 diesel locomotives, also known as the Brush Type 2 and originally as Class 30, were built by Brush Traction from 1957 to 1962.

Brush Type 2 British Rail Class 31
31289 at the Northampton & Lamport Railway, 22 April 2007
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Brush Traction Build date 1957–1962
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte A1A-A1A  • UIC (A1A)'(A1A)' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter Driving: 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) Idling: 3 ft 3+1⁄2 in (1.003 m) Minimum curve 4.5 chains (91 m) Wheelbase 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m) Length 56 ft 9 in (17.30 m) Width 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) Height 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m) Loco weight 106.7 long tons (108.4 t) to 113 long tons (115 t) Fuel capacity 650 imp gal (3,000 L; 780 US gal) Prime mover Original: Mirrlees JVS12T Rebuilt: English Electric 12SVT Transmission DC generator, DC traction motors MU working D5500–D5519: ● Red Circle Remainder: ★ Blue Star Train heating 31/0 & 31/1: Steam generator 31/4: Electric Train Heat Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Top speed D5500–5534: 80 mph (129 km/h) Remainder: 90 mph (145 km/h) Power output Engine: 1,470 bhp (1,100 kW) At rail: 872 hp (650 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 35,900 lbf (159,691 N) Brakeforce 49 long tons-force (488 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number D5500–D5699, D5800–D5862, later 31001–31970 Axle load class Route availability 5