Class 52 'Western'
D1048 "Western Lady" at Old Oak Common in July 1976. © Barry Lewis
Class 52 'Western'
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D1048 "Western Lady" at Old Oak Common in July 1976. © Barry Lewis 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 |
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Builder |
Swindon Works Crewe Works |
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Build Dates |
1961 to 1964 |
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Total Built |
74 |
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Tractive Effort |
66,700 lbf |
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Power Output |
1,350 hp x 2 |
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Top Speed |
90 mph |
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Wheel Configuration |
C-C |
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Operated By |
British Rail |
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Main Duties |
Express Passenger |
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In Service Until |
1977 |
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Surviving Examples |
7 |
Models Produced
Original tooling produced by Hornby. This featured a 3-pole ringfield motor, which was later upgraded in 2005.
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Upgraded 2005 -
1 Hornby products
Upgraded version of the 1980 tool with a 5-pole motor and DCC capability.
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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
Original tooling from Graham Farish.
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Upgraded 2004 -
5 Graham Farish products
Reintroduced following the takeover by Bachmann. The model received an upgraded mechanism and improved detail.
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Liveries Produced
Models Produced
Model produced to a hybrid scale of 3.8mm to the foot. 2-rail & 3-rail versions. Some models with 2 motors. Later models sold under the Liliput(UK) brand from 1974 onwards.
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- No upgrades on file