British Rail Class 45

The British Rail Class 45 or Sulzer Type 4 were diesel locomotives built by British Railways' Derby and Crewe Works between 1960 and 1962. Along with the similar Class 44 and 46 locomotives, they became known as Peaks.

Derby Type 4
British Rail Class 45
45054 heads south from Loughborough on the Midland Main Line with a train for London St Pancras, July 1975
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBritish Railways' Derby Works and Crewe Works
Build date1960–1962
Total produced127
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UIC(1′Co)(Co1′)
 • Commonwealth1Co-Co1
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve5 chains (100 m)
Wheelbase59 ft 8 in (18.19 m)
Length67 ft 11 in (20.70 m)
Width8 ft 10 1⁄2 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight133 long tons (135 t; 149 short tons)
Fuel capacity840 imp gal (3,800 l; 1,010 US gal)
Prime moverSulzer 12LDA28-B
Engine typefour stroke 12 cylinder double bank
Displacement12× 22 litres (1,300 cu in) per cylinder,
or 264 litres (16,100 cu in) total
GeneratorCrompton Parkinson
Traction motorsCrompton Parkinson
Cylinders12
Cylinder size280 mm × 360 mm (11.024 in × 14.173 in), bore × stroke
MU working★ Blue Star
Train heating45/0: Steam
45/1: Electric Train Heat
Loco brakeAir
Train brakesVacuum and Air
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (145 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW)
At rail: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN)
Brakeforce63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Career
OperatorsBritish Railways
NumbersD11–D137; later 45001–45077, 45101–45150
NicknamesPeak
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Withdrawn1981-1989
DispositionEleven preserved, one stored, remainder scrapped

History
Distribution of locomotives,
March 1974[1]
CW
HO
TO
CodeNameQuantity
CWCricklewood11
HOHolbeck39
TOToton77
Total: 127

The Class 45s became the main traction on the Midland Main Line from 1962, and their introduction allowed considerable acceleration of the previous steam-powered service. The Class 45s remained the main source of power on the Midland Main Line up to 1982, when they were relegated to secondary services following introduction of HSTs on the route. From 1986 Class 45s virtually disappeared from the line.[2] From the early 1980s until their withdrawal c.1988, the class were regular performers on the North Trans-Pennine line working services from Liverpool Lime Street to York, Scarborough or Newcastle via Manchester Victoria, Huddersfield and Leeds. These trains were usually formed of early Mark 2 carriages, of up to seven in a typical train.

Naming

26 Class 45s were officially named by BR after various British Army regiments and the Royal Marines. Additionally, several were unofficially named.

45118's nameplate

Engine

The engine of the Class 45 was a marine-type, slow-revving diesel, a Sulzer 12LDA28B with a bore of 280 mm (11.024 in) (hence the 28 in the engine designation) and a stroke of 360 mm (14.173 in). This gave 22 litres (1,300 cu in) per cylinder, or 264 litres (16,100 cu in) for the whole engine. The unit was turbocharged and intercooled and gave 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) at 750 rpm. The engine was of the double bank type with two parallel banks of 6 cylinders, geared together to a single output shaft.[3] Six-cylinder versions of the engine were fitted in the Class 25 locos (amongst others) and eight-cylinder versions in Class 33s.[4] Class 45s were the updated versions of the Class 44 locomotives, the latter having a 2,300 hp (1,700 kW) non-intercooled version of the same engine; i.e. the 12LDA28A. The later Class 47 had a modified version of the same engine, a 12LDA28C.

Train heating

When initially put into service, the locomotives were fitted with multi-unit working and steam-heating boilers for passenger service. In the early 1970s, fifty were fitted with electric train supply in place of their steam-heating boilers and assigned to work services on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. These locomotives were renumbered as Class 45/1.[5]

Auxiliary machines

The Class 45 is unusual in having a 220 volt electrical system for driving auxiliary machines and battery charging.[6] Most British Railways diesels of the same era had 110 volt auxiliaries.

Accidents and incidents
  • On 26 August 1976 locomotive No; 45 149 while hauling coal derailed near Winchcombe due to 'unusual' activity on the line.
  • On 16 January 1982, locomotive No. 45 074 was hauling a freight train that was derailed at Chinley, Derbyshire.[7]
45147 at Patricroft after the Eccles rail crash
  • On 4 December 1984, locomotive No. 45 147 was badly damaged in the Eccles rail crash, and subsequently moved to a siding where it was cut-up in March 1985.
  • On 9 March 1986, locomotive No. 45 014 The Cheshire Regiment was one of two light engines that were hit head-on by a passenger train at Chinley due to a signalman's error. One person was killed. Lack of training and a power cut were contributory factors.[8] The locomotive was consequently withdrawn from service and scrapped.[9]
  • On 24 April 1988, locomotive No. 45 041 split a set of points and was derailed at Edale, Derbyshire.[10]

Withdrawal

The great majority of Class 45s were withdrawn between 1981 and 1988, and the last was withdrawn from service by 1989.[11]

Fleet details
Number(s) Name Withdrawn Disposal details
1957 series TOPS
D11 45122 04/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals, Glasgow (02/1994)
D12 45011 05/1981 Scrapped at Derby Works (09/1981)
D13 45001 01/1986 Scrapped at Derby Works (11/1988)
D14 45015 03/1986 Sold into preservation but unrestored.
Stored at The Battlefield Line
D15 45018 04/1981 Scrapped at Swindon Works (10/1982)
D16 45016 11/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry, Leicester (12/1986)
D17 45024 10/1980 due to fire damage Scrapped at Swindon Works (08/1983)
D18 45121 Pegasus (unofficial name) 19 November 1987 Scrapped by Thomas Hill at Crewe Works (09/1993)
D19 45025 05/1981 Scrapped at Derby Works (11/1981)
D20 45013 Wyvern (unofficial name) 04/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (02/1994)
D21 45026 04/1986 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D22 45132 09:39 on 11/05/1987 Preserved at Epping Ongar Railway
D23 45017 08/1985 Training Loco ADB 968024 Toton September 1985-00.1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1991)
D24 45027 05/1981 Scrapped at Swindon Works (09/1983)
D25 45021 12/1980 Scrapped at Swindon Works (04/1983)
D26 45020 12/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (08/1988)
D27 45028 01/1981 Scrapped at Swindon Works (04/1983)
D28 45124 Unicorn (unofficial name) 12:34 on 22 January 1988 withdrawn due to bogie fire Leicester 29 December 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (10/1991)
D29 45002 09/1984 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D30 45029 07/1987 reinstated as 97 410 September 1987 withdrawn August 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (10/1991)
D31 45030 11/1980 Scrapped at Derby Works (03/1981)
D32 45126 27 April 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (04/1992)
D33 45019 09/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (01/1987)
D34 45119 07/05/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (04/1994)
D35 45117 12/05/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (02/1987)
D36 45031 05/1981 Scrapped at Derby Works (10/1981)
D37 45009 09/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (08/1988)
D38 45032 12/1980 Scrapped at Swindon Works (09/1983)
D39 45033 Sirius (unofficial name) 02/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (02/1992)
D40 45133 10/05/1987 Preserved at Midland Railway – Butterley Owned by the Class 45/1 Preservation Society
D41 45147 04/01/1985 due to damage in Salford accident 4 December 1984 Scrapped at Patricroft by Vic Berry Leicester (03/1985)
D42 45034 07/1987 reinstated September 1987 as 97411 withdrawn July 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (05/1992)
D43 45107 Phoenix (unofficial name) 15:19 on 27 July 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1990)
D44 45035 05/1981 Scrapped at Derby Works (11/1981)
D45 45036 05/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (08/1988)
D46 45037 Eclipse (unofficial name) 07/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D47 45116 22 December 1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (09/1988)
D48 45038 06/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (12/1986)
D49 45039 The Manchester Regiment 12/1980 Scrapped at Swindon Works (04/1983)
D50 45040 The King's Shropshire Light Infantry 07/1987 reinstated as 97412 September 1987 withdrawn August 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (10/1991)
D51 45102 9 September 1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1988)
D52 45123 The Lancashire Fusilier 22 July 1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1988)
D53 45041 Royal Tank Regiment 08/06/1988 Preserved at Midland Railway – Butterley Owning group Peak Locomotive Company
D54 45023 The Royal Pioneer Corps 09/1984 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1986)
D55 45144 Royal Signals 21 December 1987 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (06/1988)
D56 45137 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment (T.A.) 16 June 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D57 45042 04/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1986)
D58 45043 The King's Own Royal Border Regiment 09/1984 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (01/1987)
D59 45104 The Royal Warwickshire Fusilier 13 April 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (02/1992)
D60 45022 Lytham St. Annes 07/1987 reinstated September 1987 as 97409 withdrawn July 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (10/1991)
D61 45112 The Royal Army Ordnance Corps 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Main Line Operational
D62 45143 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D63 45044 Royal Inniskilling Fusilier 06/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D64 45045 Coldstream Guardsman 05/1983 due to collision at Saltley 10 February 1983 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1986)
D65 45111 Grenadier Guardsman 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (04/1992)
D66 45146 07/04/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D67 45118 The Royal Artilleryman 08/05/1987 Preserved; stored at Loram Derby
D68 45046 Royal Fusilier 08/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (05/1992)
D69 45047 08/1980 Scrapped at Derby Works (02/1981)
D70 45048 The Royal Marines 06/1985 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D71 45049 The Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's) 10/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D72 45050 09/1984 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (03/1987)
D73 45110 Medusa (unofficial name) 15:19 on 27 July 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1990)
D74 45051 04/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D75 45052 Satan and Nimrod (unofficial names) 06/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (09/1991)
D76 45053 11/1983 Scrapped at Crewe Works by A Hampton (10/1988)
D77 45004 Royal Irish Fusilier 12/1985 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D78 45150 Vampire (unofficial name) 10:40 on 04/02/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (12/1991)
D79 45005 03/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (12/1988)
D80 45113 Athene (unofficial name) 02/08/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1990)
D81 45115 13 June 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1990)
D82 45141 Zephyr (unofficial name) 04/08/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D83 45142 19 June 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D84 45055 Royal Corps of Transport 04/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1986)
D85 45109 27 January 1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1986)
D86 45105 16:25 on 11/05/1987 Preserved at Barrow Hill
D87 45127 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Scrapped at Crewe Works by J&S Metals (03/1994)
D88 45136 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D89 45006 Honourable Artillery Company 09/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1988)
D90 45008 12/1980 Scrapped at Swindon Works (09/1983)
D91 45056 12/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1986)
D92 45138 22 December 1986 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (04/1994)
D93 45057 01/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (03/1987)
D94 45114 15:35 on 17 February 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (02/1994)
D95 45054 01/1985 Scrapped at Toton MPD by Vic Berry (11/1985)
D96 45101 13 November 1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1988)
D97 45058 09/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D98 45059 Royal Engineer 03/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1988)
D99 45135 3rd Carabinier 09/03/1987 Preserved at East Lancashire Railway
D100 45060 Sherwood Forester 12/1985 Preserved at Barrow Hill
D101 45061 08/1981 Scrapped at Swindon Works (04/1982)
D102 45140 Mercury (unofficial name) 11:47 on 29 March 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (09/1991)
D103 45062 07/1987 last run was HRT "Baker's Dozen" Railtour 27 June 1987. Loco failed at MP10 WCML and was rescued by 31305 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D104 45063 05/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1988)
D105 45064 01/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1988)
D106 45106 Vulcan (unofficial name) 15:19 on 27 July 1988, reinstated 04/08/1988. Finally withdrawn 02/1989 after catching fire on 07:12 Derby to St Pancras 3 February 1989 Scrapped at CF Booth, Rotherham (04/1992)
D107 45120 24 March 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1991)
D108 45012 Wyvern II (unofficial name) 07/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D109 45139 27 April 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D110 45065 03/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (12/1988)
D111 45129 11/06/1987 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (12/1988)
D112 45010 03/1985 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D113 45128 Centaur (unofficial name) 02/08/1988. reinstated 02/1989 but not used after failed load test then finally withdrawn 04/1989. Reinstated to haul two railtours which had a class 45 booked for haulage, after 45106 caught fire and was withdrawn.[12] Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D114 45066 Amethyst (unofficial name) 07/1987. Reinstated September 1987 as 97413 then finally withdrawn on 26 July 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (10/1991)
D115 45067 07/1977 after collision at Ilkeston 8 July 1977 11:50 Glasgow-Nottingham Scrapped at Derby Works (06/1980)
D116 45103 Griffon (unofficial name) 02/08/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1990)
D117 45130 10/05/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D118 45068 01/1986 Scrapped at Allerton TMD by Vic Berry (04/1986)
D119 45007 Taliesin (unofficial name) 07/1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1992)
D120 45108 11:27 on 04/08/1987 Preserved at Midland Railway – Butterley Owning group Peak Locomotive Company
D121 45069 07/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1988)
D122 45070 01/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1988)
D123 45125 Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry (name only carried in preservation) 14:43 on 07/05/1987 Preserved at Great Central Railway
D124 45131 16:00 on 03/09/1986 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1988)
D125 45071 07/1981 Scrapped at Swindon Works (07/1983)
D126 45134 Neptune (unofficial name) 12:16 on 17 September 1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (11/1991)
D127 45072 04/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (11/1986)
D128 45145 Scylla (unofficial name) 9 September 1987. Reinstated 19 October 1987 then finally withdrawn 11:11 on 23 February 1988 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (12/1991)
D129 45073 10/1981 Scrapped at Derby Works (11/1982)
D130 45148 11:43 on 11/02/1987 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (04/1992)
D131 45074 09/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (10/1988)
D132 45075 01/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (03/1987)
D133 45003 12/1985 Scrapped at Vic Berry Leicester (04/1987)
D134 45076 11/1986 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (03/1994)
D135 45149 Phaeton (unofficial name) 16:00 on 14 September 1987 Preserved at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
D136 45077 08/1986 Scrapped at MC Metals Glasgow (09/1988)
D137 45014 The Cheshire Regiment 03/1986 collision with 31 436 Chinley 9 March 1986 Scrapped at Ashburys by Vic Berry (08/1986)

Preservation

Eleven locomotives survive in preservation. A quick summary of these is as follows (a more detailed study can be found in the table above):

A twelfth example, 45015, was also sold into preservation, but not restored. Withdrawn in March 1986 with a seized traction motor, for which repair was not authorised,[16] 45015 was heavily cannibalised for spares to keep other Class 45s working. It remained at Toton, its home shed, until at least 1999.[17] The locomotive was moved to Shackerstone, on the Battlefield Line Railway, in 2002, still with the intention of restoration to mainline standard, despite requiring a replacement engine to be found.[18] In 2010 the host railway gave notice to the locomotive's owner that the still-unrestored 45015 needed to move to a new site. Having failed to find a buyer, it is likely that 45015 will be sold for scrap, although, as of January 2020, the derelict loco was still at Shackerstone.[19]

References
  1. British Railways Locoshed Book 1974 edition. Shepperton: Ian Allan. 1974. pp. 30–31. ISBN 0-7110-0558-3.
  2. The Peaks – A Wyn Hobson
  3. The Last Years of The Peaks – S.R Batty
  4. Railway Magazine July 1992 p50
  5. "The Peaks". 6lda28.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  6. "Peak Locomotive Company Ltd 154". Peakloco.com. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  7. Earnshaw, Alan (1989). Trains in Trouble: Vol. 5. Penryn: Atlantic Books. p. 3. ISBN 0-906899-35-4.
  8. Vaughan, Adrian (1989). Obstruction Danger. Wellingborough: Patrick Stephens Limited. pp. 240–48. ISBN 1-85260-055-1.
  9. Butlin, Ashley. Diesels and Electrics for scrap. Penryn: Atlantic Books. p. 43. ISBN 0-906899-27-3.
  10. Earnshaw, Alan (1990). Trains in Trouble: Vol. 6. Penryn: Atlantic Books. p. 47. ISBN 0-906899-37-0.
  11. Diesel Loco Register – S.A.Sugden
  12. Motive Power Monthly, April 1989
  13. Diesel Locomotives in Service Nee Valley Railway
  14. Butcher, Shannon. "DERBY TRAINMAN: '45' NOT OUT". Rail Express. Mortons Media Group Ltd. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  15. http://www.eorailway.co.uk/enthusiasts/rolling-stock/diesel-locomotives/#45132
  16. "45 015 – A Potted History". The 45015 Fund. Archived from the original on 29 March 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  17. "45015 – Toton Training Compound – 18-06-99". (Photo of withdrawn loco – S Lazenby). wnxx.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  18. "45 015 – Frequently Asked Questions". (...concerning intention of restoration). The 45015 Fund. Archived from the original on 29 March 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
  19. "45015 Shackerstone 13/11/10 – R Beale". (Photo of derelict locomotive). wnxx.com. 13 November 2010. Archived from the original on 29 March 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2011.

Further reading
  • Buck, Martin (1988). 'Peaks' - In Retrospect. Pathfinder. ISBN 9780906025703. OCLC 862583032.
  • Chalcraft, John (1983). Named Diesel and Electric Locomotives of British Rail Part 4: The Peaks British Rail Class 44, 45 & 46 Diesel Electrics. Rail Photoprints. ISBN 9780906883044. OCLC 16598805.
  • Derrick, Kevin (2014). Looking back at Peaks. Strathwood. ISBN 9781905276479.
  • Hobson, A. Wyn (1991). Rail Portfolios No. 14: The 'Peaks' - Second Series. Ian Allan. ISBN 9780711019416. OCLC 59841862.
  • McManus, Michael. Ultimate Allocations, British Railways Locomotives 1948 – 1968. Wirral. Michael McManus.
  • Montague, Keith (1978). The Power of the Peaks. OPC. ISBN 9780902888999. OCLC 5196338.
  • Morrison, Gavin (2005). The Heyday of the Peaks. Ian Allan. ISBN 9780711030572. OCLC 57575548.
  • Preedy, Norman E. (1982). Book of the Peaks. Peter Watts. ISBN 9780906025314. OCLC 810796496.
  • Webb, Brian (1978). Sulzer Diesel Locomotives of British Rail. David & Charles. ISBN 0715375148.
  • Whiteley, J.S; Morrison, G.W. (1983). Profile of the Peaks. OPC. ISBN 9780860931652. OCLC 10727331.
  • Whitehouse, Alan (June 1982). "'Peak' performance". Rail Enthusiast. EMAP National Publications. pp. 22–25. ISSN 0262-561X. OCLC 49957965.
  • Bishop, Donald J. (February 1983). "The noble art of 'Peak'-bashing". Rail Enthusiast. EMAP National Publications. pp. 38–41. ISSN 0262-561X. OCLC 49957965.
  • Preedy, Norman (April 1983). "Another 'Peak' chapter ends". Rail Enthusiast. EMAP National Publications. p. 47. ISSN 0262-561X. OCLC 49957965.
  • Roughley, Malcolm (May 1984). "'Peak' across the Pennines". Rail Enthusiast. EMAP National Publications. pp. 51–54. ISSN 0262-561X. OCLC 49957965.
  • "D100 condemned as 45/0s dwindle". Rail Enthusiast. No. 53. EMAP National Publications. February 1986. p. 23. ISSN 0262-561X. OCLC 49957965.
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