BR Class 46 D182
| BR Class 46 D182 | |
|---|---|
| Built By | British Railways, Derby Works |
| Configuration | 1Co-Co1 |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Status | In service |
| Loco Number | D182 |
| Other Numbers | 46045, 97404 |
| History | |
| Built | 1962 |
| Type | Class 46 |
| 1984 | Withdrawn for departmental use |
Contents
BR Class 46
The BR Class 46 diesel-electric locomotive was originally classified as the Type 4 ‘Peak’. The introduction of TOPS saw the type designated as Class 46.
A total of 56 were built by BR Derby between 1961 and 1963 as part of BR's modernisation plans to replace steam locomotives. It was the third of the ‘Peak’ classes after what became the Classes 44 and 45. The Type were built with the same Sulzer 12-cylinder 12LDA28-B engine as the Class 45s, rated at 2,500 bhp, but with Brush transmissions. This arrangement was later developed further with the ubiquitous Class 47.
The class were used on both goods and passenger services, with the latter notably including heavy cross-country expresses between the north east and south west.
They were fitted with steam powered train heating boilers but, unlike some of the Class 45s, never fitted with electric train supply.
Service
D182 entered service in September 1962 at Gateshead, where it remained its entire service career. The introduction of TOPS saw the locomotive renumbered as 46045 in October 1973. It was withdrawn in November 1984 and renumbered 97404 for departmental service.
Preservation
D182 is one of three remaining class members. It is owned by Peak Locomotive Co Ltd and is normally based at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley.
It retains its steam heating boiler.
In July 2022 the SVR announced that, given the then issues with coal supply, it had also taken the opportunity to retain the locomotive following the Spring Diesel Festival, to give another locomotive for use during the main season[1].