BR Class 20 D8059
D8059 is a BR Class 20 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive, otherwise known as an English Electric Type 1. 228 of these locomotives were built between 1957 and 1968. Weighing 73 tonnes and delivering 1,000 horsepower, they were designed to work light mixed freight traffic at up to 75 mph. Members of the class are nicknamed “Choppers” because of the distinctive engine beat under load which resembles the sound of a helicopter.
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D8059 in service
D8059 was built by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn Ltd as Works No 2965/8217 of 1961. It was allocated to Sheffield Darnall on entering service in May 1961. In 1964 the loco was transferred to the newly-opened Tinsley Depot and remained there until withdrawal from service in January 1990. The locomotive was renumbered to 20059 on 1 January 1973 under TOPS.[1]
8059 in preservation
D8059 is owned by the Somerset & Dorset Loco Company, and as of May 2015 is operational.[2]
D8059 is the locomotive most frequently used to haul PW trains or for moving rolling stock when a diesel is more convenient than a steam locomotive.