The Class 03 was one of British Rail’s most successful diesel-mechanical shunter designs, with a large fleet produced that saw much use over the decades. Like other shunters, they were designed for light duties where a larger loco was not required. A reduction in demand for shunting locos meant that they were progressively withdrawn from 1968, although some were in use right up until 1998. One was subsequently used in the mid-2000s with First. Due to their robust design and high reliability, they are very popular with preserved railways.
|
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Mechanical |
|
Builder |
BR Doncaster Works & BR Swindon Works |
|
Build Date |
1957 to 1961 |
|
Total Built |
230 |
|
Power Output |
204 hp |
|
Tractive Effort |
15,650 lbf |
|
Top Speed |
28.5 mph |
|
Operators |
British Rail, WAGN, First Capital Connect |
|
Main Duties |
Shunting |
|
In Service Until |
2008 |
|
Surviving Examples |
56 |