List of British Rail modern traction locomotive classes
British traction locomotive classification system From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article lists every locomotive allocated a TOPS classification and all modern traction (e.g. diesel, electric, gas turbine, petrol) stock used on the mainline network since 1948 (i.e. British Railways and post-privatisation).
A large number of different shunter types were purchased by British Rail and its predecessors, many of which were withdrawn prior to the introduction of TOPS. The tables below attempt to list the different types and the different classifications used to describe them as clearly as possible:
Small shunters: under 300 hp
Shunter classes are listed by 1955 class, which puts TOPS classes in ascending order, and generally puts 1948 and 1962 classes in ascending order. Unclassed shunters are placed at the start of the table; TOPS class 07 has been placed so its 1962 class is in the logical place.
Relation between TOPS, 1948, 1955 and 1962 classes, and 1948, 1957 and TOPS numbers (unless otherwise given):[5][19]
Type 2 locomotives: 1,001 – 1,499 hp
Locomotive class are listed by TOPS class. Locomotives for TOPS classes 24 and 26 have their original sub-classes shown, as each wholly comprised locomotives from a distinct 1962 class. Class 21 (II) has sub-classes shown as these are superficially similar but mechanically different types grouped into a single class.
SNCF Class BB 22200 class dual voltage electric locomotives used for freight duties through the Channel Tunnel by Railfreight Distribution during 1994–95, prior to the availability of the dedicated Class 92 locomotives. Allocated as Class 22 under TOPS.
General departmental locomotives, used for special or engineering duties. Were therefore of many different classes, lumped together for numbering purposes. Forty-seven locomotives allocated Class 97 numbers, including five in subclass 97/6.
Class 97/6 (97 651, also known as PWM651) at Pitsford and Brampton station
Five diesel shunting locomotives purpose-built for departmental duties on the Western Region in 1953 (number 97650) and 1959 (numbers 97651-654), and originally numbered PWM650-4. Withdrawn 1987–2005.
Class 98 Vale of Rheidol locomotive taking on water
Used to cover all steam locomotives used on the mainline in Britain. Had particular usage for the three Vale of Rheidol Railway steam locomotives (and one VoR 0-6-0DH) that remained in BR's ownership after the end of mainline steam traction in August 1968, and numbered 98007–98009, although in practice the locomotives retained their former (GWR) numbers 7–9. Also used for privately owned steam locomotives registered to run on the mainline since 1971, with numbers allocated in the following way:
Fourth and fifth digits: The last two digits of the locomotive's original number. If this would duplicate an existing number, then the number is increased by 1
Prototype mainline gas turbine locomotive built for BR in 1949 by Brown Boveri. Had been ordered by GWR in 1940, but construction was delayed due to World War II.
Prototype mainline gas turbine locomotive built for BR in 1951 by Metropolitan-Vickers. Had been ordered by the GWR in the 1940s, but construction was delayed due to World War II.
When British Rail implemented the TOPS system for managing their operating stock, ships capable of carrying rail vehicles were incorporated into the system as Class 99. In order to circumvent restrictions of the application software, these ships were entered on TOPS as locomotives, 'hauling' the trains which they carried on board. Class 99 has now been allocated to a class of bi-mode locomotives.
Builders' demonstrators
These were locomotives built and owned by private firms, but used by British Railways to test them.