British Rail Class 29 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Railways Class 29 |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | North British Locomotive Company |
| Build date | 1958–1960 Rebuilt: 1963, 1965–1967 |
| Total production | 20 |
| Configuration | Bo-Bo |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo' |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) |
| Minimum curve | 3.5 chains (70 m) |
| Wheelbase | 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m) |
| Length | 51 ft 6 in (15.70 m) |
| Width | 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 73 long tons (74 t) |
| Fuel capacity | 460 imp gal (2,100 L; 550 US gal) |
| Prime mover | Paxman Ventura |
| Transmission | DC generator, DC traction motors |
| Multiple working | ● Red Circle |
| Top speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Power output | Engine: 1,350 hp (1,010 kW) |
| Tractive effort | Maximum: 45,000 lbf (200 kN) |
| Train heating | Steam generator |
| Locomotive brakeforce | 50 long tons-force (498 kN) |
| Train brakes | Vacuum |
| Career | British Railways |
| Number | D6100–03/06–08/12–14/16/19, D6121/23/24/29/30/33/34/37 |
| Axle load class | Route availability 6 (RA 5 from 1969) |
| Retired | 1969–1971 |
The British Rail Class 29 consisted of 20 diesel locomotives which were rebuilt from the North British Class 21. The original licence-built MAN engines of the Class 21s had proved unreliable, so in 1963 locomotive D6123 was sent to Paxman's Colchester works to receive a new Paxman Ventura V12 engine. A further 19 were re-engined in 1964-1965 at Polmadie Works, with other changes made at the same time. This included the fitting of four-character headcode displays in the nose ends. After rebuilding, they returned to service from Eastfield depot in Glasgow.
Although these offered more power and much improved reliability over the original Class 21s, they did not survive much longer, due to their small class size and the use of a non-standard high-speed diesel engine. D6108 was withdrawn in May 1969 and scrapped by McWilliams of Shettleston in 1971, while the other 19 were withdrawn between April and December 1971 and scrapped at BR's Glasgow Works in 1971-72. No Class 21 or Class 29 locomotives survive today.
