British Rail Class 58

The British Rail Class 58 is a class of Co-Co diesel locomotive designed for heavy freight. Introduced in 1982, they followed American practice of modularisation. From new they were painted in grey Railfreight Sector livery, instead of BR blue. EWS withdrew them in 2002 after 20 years in service, though 30 were subsequently hired abroad—four to the Netherlands, eight to Spain, and twenty to France.

British Rail Class 58
58001 at Doncaster Works
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder BREL, Doncaster Works Build date 1983–1987 Total produced 50
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Length 19.13 m (62 ft 9 in) Width 2.72 m (8 ft 11 in) Height 3.91 m (12 ft 10 in) Loco weight 130 tonnes (127.9 long tons; 143.3 short tons) Fuel capacity 4,480 litres (990 imp gal; 1,180 US gal) Prime mover Ruston Paxman 12RK3ACT MU working ◆ Red Diamond Train brakes Air
Performance figures Top speed 80 mph (129 km/h) Power output Engine: 3,300 bhp (2,460 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 60,000 lbf (267 kN)
Career Railroad(s) British Rail English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Number 58001-58050 Nicknames ‘Bone’ Axle load class Route availability 7

Two British Rail Class 58s at Barrow Hill Engine Shed.