British Rail Class 46

The British Rail Class 46 is a class of diesel locomotive. They were built from 1961–1963 at British Railways' Derby Works and were initially numbered D138-D193. With the arrival of TOPS computer system they were renumbered to Class 46. Fifty-six locomotives were built. The first was withdrawn in 1977 and all of them were withdrawn by 1984.

Derby Type 4 British Rail Class 46
300px
Class 46
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	British Railways’ Derby Works
Build date	1961–1963
Total production	56
Configuration	1Co-Co1
UIC classification	(1Co)'(Co1)'
Wheel diameter	3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve	3.5 chains (70 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	790 imp gal (3,600 l; 950 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: 1,962 hp (1,463 kW)
Tractive effort	Maximum:
Train heating	Steam generator
Locomotive brakeforce
Train brakes	Vacuum
Career	British Railways
Number	D138–D193; later 46001–46056
Nicknames	‘Peak’
Axle load class	Route availability 7

The Class 46 design was structurally the same as the earlier Class 45 build, and had the same Sulzer engine. It differed in the fitment of a Brush generator and traction motors, in place of the Crompton Parkinson equipment fitted to the Class 45.

British Rail Class 46 Media

• 

  46 026 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry - the only named Class 46.

• 

  Detail of 46 026's nameplate.

• 

  Crash test of nuclear waste flask Old Dalby 17 July 1984 (2)