British Rail Class 57

British Rail class 47 diesel locomotives rebuilt with EMD engines

The British Rail Class 57 diesel locomotives is a diesel locomotive that was built by Brush Traction between 1997 and 2004. They are rebuilds, with new engines, of older Class 47 locomotives, originally introduced in 1964–1965. They are known as "bodysnatchers", or "Zombies" to enthusiasts, because the shell (body) of the class 47 has been stripped, rewired and re-engined. The first ever class 57 named was “Freightliner Envoy” after the first one entering Freightliner.

British Rail Class 57
Class 57, no. 57012 Freightliner Envoy at Ipswich on 31 January 2004
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBrush Traction or BR Crewe Works;
Rebuilt by Brush Traction
Build dateRebuilt: 1997–2004
Total produced33
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteCo-Co
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) standard gauge
Length19.38 metres (63 ft 7 in)
Width2.79 metres (9 ft 2 in)
Loco weight57/0 & 57601: 120.6 tonnes (119 long tons; 133 short tons)
57/3 & 57602–57605: 117 tonnes (115 long tons; 129 short tons)
Fuel capacity57/0: 5,550 L (1,220 imp gal; 1,470 US gal)
57/3 & 57/6: 5,887 L (1,295 imp gal; 1,555 US gal)
Prime mover57/0: EMD 645-E3
57/3 & 57/6: EMD 645-F3B
Engine typeV12 two-stroke diesel
Train heating57/0: None
57601: Electric Train Supply index 95
57/3 & 57602–57605: Electric Train Supply index 100
Train brakesAir
Performance figures
Top speed57/0: 75 mph (121 km/h)
57/3 & 57/6: 95 mph (153 km/h)
Power output57/0: 2,500 bhp (1,860 kW)
57/3 & 57/6: 2,750 bhp (2,050 kW)
Brakeforce57/0: 80 long tons-force (797 kN)
57/3 & 57/6: 60 long tons-force (598 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)Freightliner
Virgin Trains
First Great Western
Cotswold Rail
Direct Rail Services
WCRC
Number57001–57012, 57301–57316 57601–57605
Class 57/6, no. 57601 passing Brockhampton, north of Cheltenham, on 16 April 2005, whilst working a BathSkegness charter train. This locomotive was the prototype passenger Class 57, and is now operated by the West Coast Railway Company.

References change