British Rail Class 97/6

The British Rail Class 97/6 0-6-0 diesel shunting locomotives were purpose-built for departmental duties by Ruston & Hornsby at Lincoln in 1953 (97650) or 1959 (97651-654). There are minor technical differences between 97650 and the 1959 batch.

British Rail class 97/6
Locomotive 97651 at Pitsford and Brampton station on the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-elctric Builder Ruston & Hornsby Serial number 312990, 431758–431761 Build date 1952 (1), 1959 (4)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 0-6-0  • UIC C Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Wheel diameter 97650: 3 ft 2+1⁄2 in (0.978 m) 97651-97654: 3 ft 4 in (1.016 m) Loco weight 97650: 28 long tons (28 t) 97651-97654: 30 long tons (30 t) Prime mover Ruston 6VPH RPM range 1,250 rpm (max) Generator BTH RTB6034 Traction motors BTH RTA5041 (nose-suspended), 1 off Loco brake Straight air Train brakes 97650: none 97651–97654: vacuum
Performance figures Top speed 20 mph (32 km/h) Power output 165 hp (123 kW) Tractive effort 17,000 lbf (75.6 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways’ Western Region Chief Civil Engineer's department Number PWM 650–654 later 97650–97654 Axle load class RA 1