Class 52 'Western' Profile and Models
D1048 "Western Lady" at Old Oak Common in July 1976. © Barry Lewis
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The Class 52 was a large Type-4 diesel-hydraulic locomotive built for BR's Western Region. Each one received a two-word name, with the first being "Western", which led to their nickname. At the time of their construction in the 1960s, BR regions had a high degree of autonomy and were commissioning huge numbers of locomotives, with some being more experimental. It was theorised that the Westerns would be lighter, more powerful and cause less track wear than conventional locomotives, but they weren't without their issues. The main problem encountered with the class was a mismatch between the engine and transmission. However, the locomotives proved themselves in service and led a successful career prior to their early withdrawal in the 1970s, due to their non-standard design. |
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|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Hydraulic |
|
Builder |
Swindon Works Crewe Works |
|
Build Dates |
1961 to 1964 |
|
Total Built |
74 |
|
Tractive Effort |
66,700 lbf |
|
Power Output |
1,350 hp x 2 |
|
Top Speed |
90 mph |
|
Wheel Configuration |
C-C |
|
Operated By |
British Rail |
|
Main Duties |
Express Passenger |
|
In Service Until |
1977 |
|
Surviving Examples |
7 |
Models Produced
Liveries Produced
BR non-standard
BR green with coaching stock roundel
BR maroon
BR green with late crest
BR golden ochre
BR blue
Models Produced
Liveries Produced
Models Produced
Liveries Produced
Models Produced
Liveries Produced
Awaiting Categorisation
Products awaiting categorisation
| Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Amer Collection |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
GBL34 View |
Class 52 D1062 'Western Courier' in BR Maroon - static model - not motorised | BR maroon |
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Dapol |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC Ready. 21-pin socket |
D1003X View |
Class 52 D1042 'Western Princess' in BR maroon with small yellow ends (Weathered) - Limited Edition for Kernow Model Rail Centre | Awaiting Categorisation |
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Dapol |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC Ready. 21-pin socket |
D1039 View |
Class 52 Western D1039 'Western King' in BR maroon with small yellow panels - limited edition for Cheltenham Model Centre | Awaiting Categorisation |
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Liliput |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
1011-D1004-A View |
Class 52 D1004 'Western Crusader' in BR green | Awaiting Categorisation |
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Liliput |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | DCC incompatible |
1163-D1038 View |
Class 52 D1038 'Western Sovereign' in BR Blue | Awaiting Categorisation |
| OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Modern Traction Kits (MTK) |
|
Requires assembly | Not set |
D12 View |
Class 52 Western Locomotive Kit | Unpainted |
| N Gauge | Dapol |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
2D-003-0SB1 View |
Class 52 'Western' D1000 "Western Enterprise" in Desert Sand - weathered - Osborns Models Limited Edition | Awaiting Categorisation |
| N Gauge | Dapol |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
2D-003-CHELT01 View |
Class 52 'Western' D1015 "Western Champion" in Golden Ochre - Cheltenham Model Centre Limited Edition | Awaiting Categorisation |
| N Gauge | Graham Farish |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
8426-D1065 View |
Class 52 D1065 'Western Consort' in BR Maroon | Awaiting Categorisation |
| O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | Heljan |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Unpowered |
5284 View |
Class 52 diesel D1015 "Western Champion" in experimental golden ochre livery - Exclusive to Tower Models | Awaiting Categorisation |
| O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | Heljan |
|
RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
5293-DB View |
Class 52 D1038 Western Sovereign BR Green (small yellow panels) Diesel Locomotive (Damaged Box) |