British Rail Class 45

The British Rail Class 45 also known as the Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives were built by British Rail at their Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. They were the successors to the Class 44 locomotives. When initially put into service the locomotives were fitted with multi-unit working and steam heating boilers for passenger service. In the early 1970s fifty were fitted with electric train supply in place of their steam heating boilers, and assigned to work services on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. All were withdrawn from service by 1989.

Derby Type 4 British Rail Class 45
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Class 45 number D123
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	British Railways’ Derby Works and Crewe Works
Build date	1960–1962
Total production	127
Configuration	1Co-Co1
UIC classification	(1Co)'(Co1)'
Wheel diameter	3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve	5 chains (100 m)
Wheelbase	59 ft 8 in (18.19 m)
Length	67 ft 11 in (20.70 m)
Width
Height	12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Locomotive weight
Fuel capacity	840 imp gal (3,800 l; 1,010 US gal)
Prime mover	Sulzer 12LDA28-B
Multiple working	★ Blue Star
Top speed	90 mph (145 km/h)
Power output	Engine: 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW) At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum:
Train heating	45/0: Steam generator 45/1: Electric Train Heat
Locomotive brakeforce
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D11–D137; later 45001–45077, 45101–45150
Nicknames	'Peak'
Axle load class	Route availability 7

British Rail Class 45 Media

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  45147 at Patricroft after the Eccles rail crash

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  D100 Sherwood Forester at Bournemouth Open Day, 1992