British Rail Class 15

The British Rail Class 15 diesel locomotives, also known as the BTH Type 1, were designed by British Thomson-Houston, and built by the Yorkshire Engine Company and the Clayton Equipment Company, between 1957 and 1961.

BTH Type 1 British Rail Class 15
Sole surviving Class 15 no D8233 seen at Baron Street Loco Shed, East Lancashire Railway, February 2006
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder British Thomson-Houston at Clayton Equipment Company Build date 1957–1961 Total produced 44
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Bo-Bo  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 3+1⁄2 in (1.003 m) Minimum curve 3.5 chains (70 m) Wheelbase 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) Length 42 ft 0 in (12.80 m) Width 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) Height 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) Loco weight 69 long tons (70.1 t) Fuel capacity 400 imp gal (1,800 L; 480 US gal) Prime mover Paxman 16YHXL Generator BTH RTB10858 Traction motors BTH 137AZ, 4 off Transmission DC generator, DC traction motors MU working ★ Blue Star Train brakes Vacuum
Performance figures Top speed 60 mph (97 km/h) Power output Engine: 800 hp (597 kW) At rail: 627 hp (468 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 37,500 lbf (166.8 kN) Brakeforce 31 long tons-force (310 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number D8200–D8243 Axle load class RA 4 Retired 1968–1971