British Rail Class 52

The British Rail Class 52 is a class of 74 Type 4 diesel-hydraulic locomotives built for the Western Region of British Railways between 1961 and 1964. All were given two-word names, the first word being "Western" and thus the type became known as Westerns. They were also known as Wizzos and Thousands. The final Class 52 locomotives were withdrawn from service in 1977.

British Rail Class 52
A Class 52 at Old Oak Common TMD in 1976.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
Builder
Build date1961–1964
Total produced74
Specifications
Configuration:
  UICC′C′
  CommonwealthC-C
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 7 in (1.092 m)
Minimum curve4.5 chains (300 ft; 91 m)
Wheelbase54 ft 8 in (16.66 m)
Length68 ft 0 in (20.73 m)
Width8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
Height12 ft 11+34 in (3.96 m)
Loco weight108 long tons (110 t; 121 short tons)
Fuel capacity850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal)
Prime mover2 × Maybach MD655 (64.5 L or 3,940 cu in)
TransmissionHydraulic
MU workingNot fitted
Train heatingSteam
Train brakesVacuum; later Dual (Air and Vacuum)
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (140 km/h)
Power outputEngines: 1,350 bhp (1,007 kW) at 1,500 rpm × 2
At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 66,700 lbf (297 kN)
Continuous: 45,200 lbf (201 kN)@ 14.5 mph (23.3 km/h)
Brakeforce50 long tons-force (498 kN)
Career
OperatorsWestern Region of British Railways
NumbersD1000–D1073
NicknamesWesterns, Wizzos, Thousands.
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Withdrawn1973–1977
Disposition7 preserved, remainder scrapped
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