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British Rail Class 47

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brush Type 4
British Rail Class 47
Two Class 47s, Nos. 47424 and 47607, at Bangor station with a passenger train in 1987
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBrush Traction and British RailwaysCrewe Works
Build date1963–1968
Total produced512
Specifications
Configuration:
 • WhyteCo-Co
 • UICCo'Co'
Gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase51 ft 6 in (15.70 m)
Length63 ft 7 in (19.38 m)
Width8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
Height12 ft 9+12 in (3.90 m)
Loco weight112 long tons (114 t) to 125 long tons (127 t)
Fuel capacity850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal)
Prime moverSulzer 12LDA28-C
MU workingNot fitted when built. Some now retrofitted with Green Circle
Train heating47/0: Steam generator
47/3: None
47/4: Electric Train Heat
Train brakesVacuum, Air, or dual
Performance figures
Top speed75 mph (121 km/h) or 100 mph (160 km/h)
Power outputEngine: originally 2,750 bhp (2,050 kW), later derated to 2,580 bhp (1,920 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN) to 60,000 lbf (267 kN)
Brakeforce61 long tons-force (608 kN)
Career
Railroad(s)British Railways
NumberD1500–D1999, D1100–D1111; later 47001–47981
Axle load classRoute availability 6 or 7

The British Rail Class 47 (Originally Brush Type 4) is a class of British railway diesel-electric locomotive that was developed in the 1960s by Brush Traction. A total of 512 Class 47s were built at Crewe Works and Brush's Falcon Works, Loughborough between 1962 and 1968, which made them the most numerous class of British mainline diesel locomotive.

They were fitted with the Sulzer 12LDA28C twelve-cylinder diesel engine producing 2,750 bhp (2,050 kW) (later derated to 2580 bhp to improve reliability), and have been used on both passenger and freight trains on Britain's railways for over 40 years. Despite the introduction of more modern types of traction, as of 2008 a significant number are still in use, both on the mainline and on heritage railways. As of December 2008, 103 locomotives still exist, with 29 working on the mainline.