British Rail Class 58

class of 50 Co′Co′ 3300 hp diesel-electric locomotives

The British Rail Class 58 is a class of Co-Co diesel locomotive designed for heavy freight. Introduced in 1982, they followed American practice of modularisation. From new they were painted in grey Railfreight Sector livery, instead of BR blue. EWS withdrew them in 2002 after 20 years in service, though 30 were subsequently hired abroad—four to the Netherlands, eight to Spain, and twenty to France.

British Rail Class 58
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBREL, Doncaster Works
Build date1983–1987
Total produced50
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) standard gauge
Length19.13 m (62 ft 9 in)
Width2.72 m (8 ft 11 in)
Height3.91 m (12 ft 10 in)
Loco weight130 tonnes (127.9 long tons; 143.3 short tons)
Fuel capacity4,480 litres (990 imp gal; 1,180 US gal)
Prime moverRuston Paxman 12RK3ACT
MU working Red Diamond
Train brakesAir
Performance figures
Top speed80 mph (129 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 3,300 bhp (2,460 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 60,000 lbf (267 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Rail
English, Welsh and Scottish Railway
Number58001-58050
Nicknames‘Bone’
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Two British Rail Class 58s at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.