British Rail Class 53

British Rail Class 53 (Falcon)
D0280 Falcon
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBrush Traction
Serial number280
Build date1961
Specifications
Configuration:
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 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Wheelbase56 ft 4 in (17.17 m)
Length68 ft 10 in (20.98 m)
Width8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight115 long tons (117 t)
Fuel capacity1,440 imp gal (6,500 L; 1,730 US gal)
Prime moverMaybach MD655, 2 off
Traction motorsBrush, 6 off
Cylinders12 × 2
Train heatingSpanner Mk III 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) per hour steam generator
Loco brakeBrakeforce: 59 long tons-force (588 kN)
Train brakesVacuum, later: Air
Performance figures
Top speed100 mph (161 km/h)
Power output2,880 hp (2,150 kW)
Tractive effort60,000 lbf (266.9 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD0280, later 1200
Axle load classRoute availability: 7 (6 from 1969)
DispositionSold to BR December 1970, withdrawn October 1975, Scrapped by Cashmore of Newport, April 1976

British Rail gave the name Class 53 to the single Brush Traction-built example train Falcon. Although it worked, the idea of Class 53 was made old by new locomotive technology (like the power from single low-speed diesel engines) and was never made twice.


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