British Rail Class 13

British Rail Class 13
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBritish Railways’ Darlington Works (builder and rebuilder)
Build date1965 (rebuilt)
Total produced3
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte0-6-0+0-6-0
 • UICC+C
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter4 ft 6 in (1.372 m)
Wheelbase42 ft 1+1⁄2 in (12.84 m)
Length60 ft 1 in (18.31 m)
Width8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Height12 ft 8+1⁄2 in (3.87 m)
Loco weight120 long tons (122 t)
Fuel capacity1,336 imp gal (6,070 L; 1,604 US gal)
Prime moverEnglish Electric 6KT, 2 off
Traction motorsEE, four off
TransmissionDC generators, DC traction motors, double reduction gearing
MU workingNot fitted (except control of slave by master)
Train heatingNone
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Top speed20 mph (32 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 350 hp (261 kW) × 2
Tractive effortMaximum: 70,000 lbf (311.4 kN)
Brakeforce37 long tons-force (370 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD4500–D4502, later 13001–13003
Axle load classRA 8
Retired1983–1986


The British Rail Class 13 was formed in 1965. The Tinsley Marshalling Yard needed more powerful shunters to move vehicles around. This was provided by permanently coupling together two Class 08 shunters as a ‘master and slave’ (or ‘cow and calf’) unit. The second of the two units had its cab taken off. Both units were ballasted to improve traction. At first the units were coupled cab-to-cab but it was easier to couple Master nose to Slave cab. The thinking behind adopting this dual locomotive design is that a larger, rigid locomotive could not be used due to the risk of grounding on the hump.


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