Class 52 'Western' Profile and Models

D1048 "Western Lady" at Old Oak Common in July 1976. © Barry Lewis
Class 52 'Western'
![]() |
|
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. |
|
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 |
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) | Modern Traction Kits (MTK) |
![]() |
Requires assembly | Not set |
D12MTK View |
Class 52 Western Locomotive Kit | Unpainted |