British Rail Class 45

The British Rail Class 45 also known as the Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives were built by British Rail at their Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. They were the successors to the Class 44 locomotives. When initially put into service the locomotives were fitted with multi-unit working and steam heating boilers for passenger service. In the early 1970s fifty were fitted with electric train supply in place of their steam heating boilers, and assigned to work services on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. All were withdrawn from service by 1989.

Derby Type 4 British Rail Class 45
Class 45 number D123
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder British Railways’ Derby Works and Crewe Works Build date 1960–1962 Total produced 127
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 1Co-Co1  • UIC (1Co)'(Co1)' Wheel diameter 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) Minimum curve 5 chains (100 m) Wheelbase 59 ft 8 in (18.19 m) Length 67 ft 11 in (20.70 m) Width 8 ft 10+1⁄2 in (2.71 m) Height 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) Loco weight 133 long tons (135 t) Fuel capacity 840 imp gal (3,800 L; 1,010 US gal) Prime mover Sulzer 12LDA28-B MU working ★ Blue Star Train heating 45/0: Steam generator 45/1: Electric Train Heat Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h) Power output Engine: 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW) At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN) Brakeforce 63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number D11–D137; later 45001–45077, 45101–45150 Nicknames 'Peak' Axle load class Route availability 7