British Rail Class 33

class of 98 Bo′Bo′ 1550hp diesel-electric locomotives

The British Rail Class 33 also known as the BRCW Type 3 or Crompton is a class of Bo-Bo diesel locomotives ordered in 1957 and built for the Southern Region of British Railways between 1959 and 1963.

BRCW Type 3
British Rail Class 33
D6575
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBirmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company
Serial numberDEL92–DEL189 (not in order)
Build date1960–1962
Total produced98
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteBo-Bo
 • UICBo'Bo'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve4 chains (80 m)
Wheelbase39 ft 0 in (11.89 m)
Length50 ft 9 in (15.47 m)
WidthD6500–D6585: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
D6586–D6597: 8 ft 1+12 in (2.5 m)
Height12 ft 8 in (3.86 m)
Loco weight73 long tons (74.2 t) to 77 long tons (78.2 t)
Fuel capacity800 imp gal (3,600 L; 960 US gal)
Prime moverSulzer 8LDA28
TransmissionDC generator, DC traction motors
MU working Blue Star
Train heatingElectric Train Heat
Train brakesDual (Air & Vacuum)
Performance figures
Top speed85 mph (137 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 1,550 bhp (1,156 kW)
At rail: 1,215 hp (906 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 45,000 lbf (200 kN)
Continuous: 26,000 lbf (116 kN)
Brakeforce35 long tons-force (349 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD6500–D6597; later 33001–33065, 33101–33119, 33201–33212
NicknamesCromptons
Axle load classRoute availability 6

A total of 98 class 33s were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company, and they were called "Cromptons" after the Crompton Parkinson electrical equipment installed in them. [1] Like their lower-powered BRCW sisters (BR classes 26 and 27) their bodywork and cab ends were of all steel construction

The original (1957) number sequence was D6500–D6597. [2]

References change

  1. "Class 33 - Overview". Southern E-Group (SEMG). Retrieved 2007-02-16.
  2. "Class 33 - Technical Details". Southern E-Group (SEMG). Retrieved 2007-02-16.