British Rail Class 27

The British Rail Class 27 was a diesel locomotive built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) during 1961 and 1962. They were a development of the earlier Class 26. Both were originally classified as BRCW Type 2. There were 69 locomotives in the class.

BRCW Type 2 British Rail Class 27
27001 at Bo’ness
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Serial number DEL190–DEL258 Build date 1961–1962
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Bo-Bo  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) Minimum curve 5 chains (100 m) Wheelbase 39 ft 0 in (11.89 m) Length 50 ft 9 in (15.47 m) Width 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) Height 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) Loco weight Originally: 72.50 long tons (73.7 t) Fuel capacity 685 imperial gallons (3,110 L; 823 US gal) Prime mover Sulzer 6LDA28-B Transmission DC generator, DC traction motors MU working ★ Blue Star Train heating As built: Steam generator 27/2: ETH Train brakes Vacuum, some later dual Air & Vacuum
Performance figures Top speed 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) Power output Engine: 1,250 horsepower (930 kW) At rail: 933 horsepower (696 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 42,000 pounds-force (190,000 N) Continuous: 25,000 pounds-force (110,000 N) Brakeforce 34 long tons-force (340 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Railways Number D5347–D5415; later 27001–27066 Axle load class Route availability 6 (RA 5 from 1969)