British Rail Class 40

The British Rail Class 40 is a type of British railway diesel locomotive. Built by English Electric between 1958 and 1962, and eventually numbering 200, they were for a time the pride of the British Rail early diesel fleet. Despite their initial success, by the time the last examples were entering service they were already being replaced on some top-link duties by more powerful locomotives. As they were slowly relegated from express passenger uses, the type found work on secondary passenger and freight services where they worked for many years, the final locomotives being retired from regular service in 1985.

English Electric Type 4 British Rail Class 40
40145 at Carlisle on 27 August 2004, whilst working a charter train. This locomotive is the last remaining 'centre headcode' type Class 40.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder English Electric at Vulcan Foundry and Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns Build date 1958–1962 Total produced 200
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 1Co-Co1  • UIC (1Co)'(Co1)' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter Driving: 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) Idling: 3 ft 0 in (0.914 m) Minimum curve 4.5 chains (91 m) Wheelbase 61 ft 3 in (18.67 m) Length 69 ft 6 in (21.18 m) Width 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) Height 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) Loco weight 133 long tons (135 t) Fuel capacity 710 imp gal (3,200 L; 850 US gal) Prime mover English Electric 16SVT MkII Transmission DC generator, DC traction motors MU working ★ Blue Star Train heating Steam generator Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Top speed 90 mph (140 km/h) Power output Engine: 2,000 bhp (1,490 kW) At rail: 1,550 hp (1,160 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 52,000 lbf (231 kN) Brakeforce 51 long tons-force (508 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number D200–D399, later 40001–40199 Axle load class Route availability 6