British Rail Class 47

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Brush Type 4
British Rail Class 47
47474 BNS 1987 Steve Jones.jpg
A Class 47 at Birmingham New Street in 1987
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder Brush Traction
British Rail Crewe Works
Build date1962–1968
Total produced512
Specifications
Configuration:
   UIC Co′Co′
  Commonwealth Co-Co
Gauge 4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Wheelbase 51 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; 125 short tons) to 125 long tons (127 t; 140 short tons)
Fuel capacity850 imp gal (3,900 L; 1,020 US gal)
Prime mover Sulzer 12LDA28-C
MU working Not fitted when built. Some now retrofitted with Green Circle or TDM
Train heating47/0: Steam generator
47/3: None
47/4: Electric Train Heat
Train brakes Vacuum, Air, or Dual
Performance figures
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h) or 95 mph (153 km/h) 100 mph (160 km/h) [47/7]
Power outputEngine: originally 2,750 bhp (2,050 kW), later derated to 2,580 bhp (1,920 kW)
Tractive effort Maximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN) to 60,000 lbf (267 kN)
Brakeforce61 long tons-force (608 kN)
Career
Operators
NumbersD1500–D1999, D1100–D1111
later 47 001–47 981
Axle load class Route availability 6 or 7
Withdrawn1965 (2), 1969 (1), 1971 (1), 1980–present
Disposition32 preserved, 33 converted to Class 57, 51 still in service, remainder scrapped

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

Contents

They were fitted with the Sulzer 12LDA28C twin-bank twelve-cylinder unit producing 2,750  bhp (2,050 kW) though this was later derated to 2,580 bhp (1,920 kW) to improve reliability and have been used on both passenger and freight trains on Britain's railways for over 55 years. Despite the introduction of more modern types of traction, a significant number are still in use, both on the mainline and on heritage railways.

As of April 2023, 76 locomotives still exist as Class 47s, including 31 which have been preserved. 31 locomotives, including six which are preserved, retain mainline running certificates. A further 33 locomotives were converted to Class 57s between 1998 and 2004.

Origins

D1941 in the original two-tone green livery, at Landore depot in 1967 D1941 - landore - aug 1967.jpg
D1941 in the original two-tone green livery, at Landore depot in 1967

The Class 47 history begins in the early 1960s with the stated aim of the British Transport Commission (BTC) to remove steam locomotives from British Rail by a target date of 1968. [1] It therefore required a large build of Type 4 but with an axle load of no more than 19 long tons (19 t). The BTC was not convinced that the future of diesel traction lay down the hydraulic transmission path of the Western Region, and concentrated on diesel-electric designs.

Initially, the BTC invited tenders to build 100 locomotives to the new specification. The following responses were received:

Of these bids, the BRCW/AEI/Sulzer bid was the preferred option, but before the prototypes could be assessed, the need to build a large number of locomotives quickly was deemed paramount, and the BTC decided on a new approach: it decided to cancel the final order of twenty Class 46 locomotives and invite bids for twenty locomotives of the new Type 4 specification using the Brush electrical equipment intended for the cancelled order. Brush won the contract. [4] [5]

This initial build of 20 locomotives (Nos. D1500 to D1519) were mechanically different from the remainder of the type, [6] using Westinghouse-supplied brake systems, and would be withdrawn earlier than the rest of the class which used Metcalfe-Oerlikon brakes.

Based on the success of these initial 20 locomotives an order for 270 was made, which was later revised upwards a number of times to reach the final total of 512. 310 locomotives were constructed by Brush in Loughborough, and the remaining 202 at BR's Crewe Works. [7] Five locomotives, Nos. D1702 to D1706, were fitted with a Sulzer V12 12LVA24 power unit and classified as Class 48s; the experiment was not deemed a success, and they were later converted to standard 47s.

Orders

The locomotives were ordered in 6 batches as follows: [8]

In service

Distribution of locomotives,
March 1974 [9]
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IS
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BR
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BS
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CD
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CF
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GD
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HO
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IM
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KY
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LE
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TE
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TI
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TO
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YK
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CW
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FP
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OC
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SF
CodeNameQuantity
BR Bristol Bath Road 41
BS Bescot 51
CD Crewe Diesel 80
CF Cardiff Canton 53
CW Cricklewood 3
FP Finsbury Park 12
GD Gateshead 28
HA Haymarket 8
HO Holbeck 11
IM Immingham 41
IS Inverness 1
KY Knottingley 10
LE Landore 27
OC Old Oak Common 24
SF Stratford 30
TE Thornaby 11
TI Tinsley 48
TO Toton 21
YK York 8
Withdrawn (1965–71)4
Total built:512
Two Class 47s, Nos. 47424 and 47607, at Bangor station with a passenger train in 1987 47424 47607 Bangor1987.jpg
Two Class 47s, Nos. 47424 and 47607, at Bangor station with a passenger train in 1987

The first 500 locomotives were numbered sequentially from D1500 to D1999, with the remaining twelve being numbered from D1100 to D1111. The locomotives went to work on passenger and freight duties on all regions of British Rail. Large numbers went to replace steam locomotives, especially on express passenger duties. [10]

The locomotives, bar a batch of 81 built for freight duties, were all fitted with steam heating boilers for train heat duties. The initial batch of twenty, plus D1960 and D1961, were also fitted with electric train heating (ETH). [11] With this type of heating becoming standard, a further large number of locomotives were later fitted with this equipment.

In the mid-1960s, it was decided to de-rate the engine output of the fleet from 2,750 bhp (2,050 kW) to 2,580 bhp (1,920 kW), significantly improving reliability by reducing stresses on the power plant, whilst not causing a noticeable reduction in performance. [12]

Sub-classes

In the early 1970s, the fleet was renumbered into the 47xxx series to conform with the computerised TOPS systems. This enabled a number of easily recognisable sub-classes to be created, depending on the differing equipment fitted. The original series were based on train heating capability and were as follows; [13]

However, this numbering system was later disrupted as locomotives were fitted with extra equipment and were renumbered into other sub-classes. [15] [16] For an overview of the renumbering see the List of British Rail Class 47 locomotives. This section summarises the main sub-classes that were created.

Class 47/0

Class 47/0 47293 with a relief passenger train at York station in 1987 47293 York 1987.jpg
Class 47/0 47293 with a relief passenger train at York station in 1987

Originally numbered D1520–1781, D1837–74, D1901–59, D1962–99 and D1100 (later given TOPS numbers from 47001 to 47298), these locomotives were the "basic" Class 47 with steam heating equipment fitted. [17] [16] In the 1970s and 1980s, with steam heating of trains gradually being phased out, all locomotives fitted with the equipment gradually had their steam heating boilers removed. Some were fitted with ETH and became 47/4s, whilst the others remained with no train heating capability and were therefore used mainly on freight work. In the 1990s, the class designation 47/2 was applied to some class 47/0s and class 47/3s after they were fitted with multiple working equipment. [18] The locomotives involved also had their vacuum braking systems removed or isolated, leaving them air braked only. This was mainly a paper exercise, however, and the locomotives were not renumbered; in this article they are included in Class 47/0.

Class 47/3

Class 47/3, no. 47376, with allocated TOPS number but still in two-tone green livery at Frisby on the Wreake, 20 April 1976 Class 47, no. 47366, on a westbound empty fly-ash train, west of Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire, Nigel Tout, 20.4.76.jpg
Class 47/3, no. 47376, with allocated TOPS number but still in two-tone green livery at Frisby on the Wreake, 20 April 1976

Originally numbered D1782–1836 and D1875–1900 (later given TOPS numbers from 47301 to 47381), this sub-class was originally built with no train heating equipment and therefore remained as freight locomotives almost exclusively for their working lives. [17] [19] They were all fitted with slow speed control for working MGR coal trains (as were a number of Class 47/0s). [20] However, during the summer months when train heat was not required, 47/3s could regularly be found hauling the extra trains that the holiday season brought. [21] The sub-type remained stable until withdrawals started, although an "extra" 47/3, 47300, was created in 1992 when 47468 had its train heating equipment removed and was renumbered. [22] This was a direct replacement for collision damaged 47343. Also, 47364 was renumbered to 47981 in 1993 for use on RTC test trains. [23]

Class 47/4

Class 47/4 47523 in standard BR Blue, at Birmingham New Street station in 1988 47523 BNS 1988.jpg
Class 47/4 47523 in standard BR Blue, at Birmingham New Street station in 1988

The designation for standard locomotives fitted with ETH and therefore used for passenger, mail and parcels use. The original batch of twenty locomotives (D1500–D1519) were built with dual steam and electric train heating, [17] the electric heating being tapped from the locomotive's DC generator. However, no more were constructed in this way until 1967 when the final two Brush-built locomotives, D1960 and D1961, [18] were fitted with a new type of electric heat system using an AC alternator. [24] Approximately 112 more locomotives had been fitted with this system by the time TOPS renumbering occurred (some of which retained the steam heat facility following ETH fitment whilst others had it removed at that time), [25] and shortly afterwards the sub-class had settled down to 154 locomotives, numbered 47401–47547 and 47549–47555. Later, further Class 47/0s were converted to Class 47/4s and renumbered into the series from 47556 onwards, which eventually reached 47665. [18]

Class 47/6 and Class 47/9

Class 47/9 47901 on a railtour at Westbury station in 1987 47901 Westbury 1987.jpg
Class 47/9 47901 on a railtour at Westbury station in 1987

After being severely damaged in a derailment near Peterborough in 1974, locomotive 47046 was selected to be a testbed for the projected Class 56, and was fitted with a 16-cylinder Ruston 16RK3CT engine rated at 3,250 bhp (2,420 kW) for assessment purposes. [26] To identify it as unique, it was renumbered 47601 (at the time the number range for Class 47s only extended as far as 47555). Later, in 1979, it was used again for the Class 58 project, fitted with a 12-cylinder Ruston engine (this time of 3,300 bhp (2,500 kW)), and renumbered 47901. It continued with this non-standard engine fitted until its withdrawal in 1990. [16]

Class 47/7

British Rail Class 47 no. 47704 at Glasgow Queen Street in 1984. Class 47-7 at Glasgow Queen St Station, 1984 - geograph.org.uk - 3185447.jpg
British Rail Class 47 no. 47704 at Glasgow Queen Street in 1984.

In the late 1970s, BR authorities identified a need to replace the ageing trains operating the Glasgow to Edinburgh shuttle services, in order to increase speed and reliability. The trains were operated by pairs of Class 27s, one at each end of this train. It was decided to convert twelve 47/4s to operate the service in push-pull mode. The locomotives would be known as Class 47/7 and would be fitted with TDM push-pull equipment [27] and long-range fuel tanks, and be maintained to operate at 100 mph (160 km/h). The conversions began in 1979 and the service was operated completely by them from 1980. In 1985, the push-pull service spread to Glasgow-Aberdeen services, and a further four locomotives were converted. The sub-class therefore comprised 47701 to 47716, though a further locomotive, 47717, was converted in 1988 after the fire-damaged 47713 was withdrawn. [28]

Class 47/7b and 47/7c

Class 47/7. 47787 parked in a bay platform at Rugby station 47787 at Rugby.jpg
Class 47/7. 47787 parked in a bay platform at Rugby station

In the 1990s, further 47/4s were converted with long-range fuel tanks and equipment to allow them to work with a type of rolling stock known as propelling control vehicles-PCV, which utilised RCH (Railway Clearing House) cables to allow the PCV driver to signal to the driver on the locomotive to apply power and operate the brakes - neither these locomotives nor the PCVs were equipped with TDM push-pull equipment. They were also numbered into the 47/7 series, from 47721 onwards. With dwindling passenger work for them, a number of 47/8s, already fitted with the extra fuel tanks, were also renumbered into this series. [16]

Two locomotives, 47798 Prince William and 47799 Prince Henry, were dedicated for use on the Royal Train, and were designated as Class 47/7c. [16] The two locomotives were replaced by a pair of Class 67 locomotives in 2004, and were subsequently withdrawn for preservation.

Class 47/4 (extended range)

47817 in Virgin Trains livery at Exeter St Davids station. 47817 The Institution of Mechanical Engineers at Exeter St Davids.jpg
47817 in Virgin Trains livery at Exeter St Davids station.

The last of the original 47/4 conversions, from 47650 to 47665, were fitted with extra fuel tanks, giving them an extended range. Four earlier Class 47/4s were also converted. In 1989 it was decided to make these locomotives easily recognisable and so they were renumbered into their own series from 47801 to 47820. At the same time, further locomotives were fitted with extra fuel tanks and renumbered; the series eventually reached 47854. [18] After the privatisation of British Rail, the locomotives in the 47/8 number range were mainly used by Virgin CrossCountry on cross-country work until the introduction of Class 220 Voyager trains. These duties have kept them maintained in serviceable condition, allowing them to remain operational longer than the majority of their classmates. As a consequence most of them received relatively recent overhauls. The locomotives in this number range are officially Class 47/4s under the TOPS system. [16]

Decline

By 1986, only five of the original 512 locomotives had been withdrawn from service, all because of serious accident damage. [29] However, with work for the class declining due to the introduction of new rolling stock and spare parts becoming difficult to source, some inroads started being made.

The first locomotives to be targeted were the non-standard pilot batch of 20, now numbered 47 401-47 420. Three locomotives were withdrawn as life-expired in February 1986 and the remainder of the batch that had not recently been overhauled followed in the next two years. All 20 were withdrawn by 1992. [30]

Meanwhile, BR drew up a 'hit-list' of locomotives for early withdrawal, mainly including those with non-standard electrical equipment, known as series parallel locomotives.[ citation needed ] In the outset, withdrawals were slow, mainly due to the surplus of spare parts and new flows of freight traffic which required extra locomotives; only 61 locomotives had been withdrawn by the end of 1992. However, with the introduction of new locomotives, the rate of withdrawal quickly rose, with 86 more 47s reaching the end of their lives in the next three years. [29] With most of the non-standard locomotives withdrawn, the reduction of the fleet again proceeded more slowly. The privatisation of British Rail also produced new independent rail companies needing available traction until they could order new locomotives. From 1996 to 2006, an average of around fifteen locomotives per year were taken out of service. [29]

During the decline in passenger work a number of locomotives were painted in "celebrity" colours, depicting various liveries that the type had carried during its history. This continued a tradition of painting 47s in unusual liveries, which dates back to 1977, when Stratford depot in East London painted two locomotives with huge Union Flags to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. [31]

Fleet summary

Mainline registered locomotives as of January 2023. This table does not include 47375, which was exported to Hungary in 2015. [32] West Coast Railways is currently the largest operator of the type, [33] though they began scrapping their stored locomotives in January 2023. [34]

OwnerOperationalTotalNon-operationalTotal
Nemesis Rail 477011477441
GB Railfreight 47727, 47739, 477493
Freightliner 478301
Harry Needle Railroad Company 47703, 47714, 477693
Locomotive Services Limited 47790 (running as 47593), 47805, 47810, 47853 (running as 47614)447501, 47811, 47816, 47818, 478415
Rail Operations Group 47812, 47813, 47848347815, 47843, 478473
West Coast Railways 47237, 47245, 47746, 47760, 47772, 47786, 47802, 47804, 47826, 47832, 47851, 478541247355, 47492, 47526, 47768, 47776, 477876
Preserved locomotives with mainline certificates47270, 47580, 47712, 47773, 47799, 478286477151
Total3119

Preservation

Restored Class 47, D1935 "Roger Hosking MA", heading North with a complement of Pullman Coaches at Dent Station on the Settle - Carlisle line Class 47 The Statesman.jpg
Restored Class 47, D1935 "Roger Hosking MA", heading North with a complement of Pullman Coaches at Dent Station on the Settle - Carlisle line

There are 31 Class 47 locomotives in the ownership of preservationists and private railways. [35]

Class 57

Thirty-three locomotives were rebuilt with EMD engines and re-classified as Class 57s. [36] [37] Freightliner took 12, Virgin Trains 16 and First Great Western five. Today these are owned by Direct Rail Services (17), Great Western Railway (4), Rail Operations Group (4), and West Coast Railways (8, including the prototype passenger engine 57 601).

Accidents

Miscellany

In 1976, 47155 was moved to West Thurrock power station for use as a stationary generator while problems with one of the plant's auxiliary generators were investigated. The locomotive was removed from its bogies and mounted on a heavy timber frame. [58]

Model railways

In 1976 Hornby Railways launched its first version of the BR Class 47 in OO gauge. [59] Lima produced a range of Class 47 models in OO gauge. [60]

Cuba

Between 1963 and 1966, ten locomotives similar to the British Rail Class 47 were supplied to Ferrocarriles de Cuba (Cuban National Railways). [61] Although built by Brush, they were publicly stated to be supplied by Clayton Equipment Company. [62]

See also

References and sources

Related Research Articles

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Sources

Further reading