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British Rail Class 07
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The British Rail Class 07 diesel locomotive is an off-centre cab 0-6-0 diesel-electric shunter type built by Ruston & Hornsby in 1962 for the Southern Region of British Railways. The 14 members of the class were primarily used at Southampton Docks and later also at Eastleigh Works.
Background
[edit]The 07 class was originally designed to replace steam power on the Southampton Docks network, which at its peak consisted of some 80 miles of track and immediately prior to the introduction of diesel power was operated by six ex-LBSCR 0-6-0 class E2 and fourteen ex-Southern Railway USA class[a] 0-6-0 tank locomotives.
The specifications for the class arose from a report produced by the General Managers of British Transport Docks and the Southern Region of British Railways discussing the relative merits of the 204 hp (152 kW) Class 04 and 350 hp (260 kW) Class 12 0-6-0 diesel shunters. Due to the need to traverse small radius curves on the docks network, it was concluded that a compromise between the shorter wheelbase of the former and greater power output of the latter was desirable, thus giving rise to the requirement for a locomotive with a fixed wheelbase not exceeding 10 ft (3.0 m) and maximum power output of around 275 to 300 hp (205 to 224 kW) (with a weight not exceeding 10 tons).[1]
Operation
[edit]The class was notorious for having the axleboxes run hot when travelling at high speed. This was initially encountered during delivery of the first locomotive, and subsequent deliveries were made by road. A later trial move of one Class 07 to Selhurst Depot for tyre profiling also resulted in overheating axlebox problems[2] and all subsequent moves of any distance, particularly those to British Rail Engineering Limited workshops, were made by road. This is in contrast to other shunter classes that would commonly have had their coupling rods removed and traction motors isolated and would then form part of a train heading in the appropriate direction. Class 08s were commonly moved in this fashion at up to 35 mph (56 km/h) – overnight wagon-load trains being utilised if possible.[citation needed]
For operation at Southampton Docks, the class was based in the former steam shed in the Old Docks near the River Itchen, work being carried out there by a fitter sent from Eastleigh.[citation needed]
The members of the class that had TOPS numbering applied were also equipped with high-level air brake pipes, allowing them to move Southern Region electric multiple units, and three locomotives were used at Bournemouth EMU Depot for a period.[2] This was not their principal work, but they were often employed around their home depot on general shunting duties. They were relatively fast for shunters and it was envisaged that they would be used to trip local traffic to/from Southampton docks. Accordingly, they were equipped, from new, with mainline headcode marker lights (six for the SR). In practice they were seldom used for this because of the hot axlebox problem, which also affected the possibility of the class working away from either Southampton Docks or Eastleigh Works.
Withdrawal
[edit]Numbers 2988, 2992 and 2998 were withdrawn from BR service without bearing TOPS numbers, and were cut up at Eastleigh Works; 2988 in 1973, 2992 and 2998 in 1976.[3][4] 2991, which was allocated the number 07007, was also withdrawn from capital stock before bearing its TOPS number, but remained in use at Eastleigh Works. Of the locos to bear TOPS numbers, 07003 and 07009 were withdrawn in 1976, and sold to P Wood of Queenborough, Kent; 07009 was exported to Italy,[5] and 07003 was sold to British Industrial Sand at Oakamoor, Staffordshire, being subsequently scrapped in 1985.[4][6] 07010 was sold directly into preservation, and the remaining locos were sold for industrial use during 1976 and 1977: 07001 to Staveley Limeworks, Buxton; 07002/6/12 to Powell Duffryn, Kidwelly (where 07002 and 07006 were scrapped in the 1980s); 07013 to Dow Chemical Company, King's Lynn.[3][7]
| Year | Quantity in service at start of year |
Quantity withdrawn |
Locomotive numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 14 | 4 | 2988/91–92/98 | 2991 went into industrial use |
| 1976 | 10 | 3 | 07003/09–10 | All went into industrial use except 07010 |
| 1977 | 7 | 7 | 07001–02/05–06/11–13 | All went into industrial use |
Post-BR use and preservation
[edit]

The locomotives were short-lived and this class had been withdrawn by British Rail by the end of 1977. Several were bought for industrial use and have subsequently passed into preservation. Two locomotives, no. 07001, owned by Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC), and 07007, owned by Knights Rail Services, are mainline registered. All surviving locomotives are listed below.[8]
- 07001 – Formerly HNRC, now preserved by Heritage Shunters Trust at Peak Rail. Fully operational, currently repainted into a blue livery with 'wasp' ends but without numbering (as of 1 September 2013).
- 07005 – Preserved at the Great Central Railway
- 07007 – In use by Knights Rail Services at Eastleigh Works.[9] Mainline registered in April 2008. Currently painted in Rail Blue livery.
- 07010 – Preserved on Avon Valley Railway in BR Blue livery. Currently awaiting repairs following electrical failure December 2014. Repainted into BR Blue September 2013.[10]
- 07011 – Privately owned at St Leonards TMD. Rail Blue livery.
- 07012 – Formerly HNRC, now preserved at Barrow Hill.
- 07013 – Formerly HNRC, externally restored in Rail Blue livery[11] Now at the East Lancashire Railway.
Class summary
[edit]| Pre-TOPS Number | TOPS number | Date into Service | Date withdrawn | Image | Further use or date scrapped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2985 | 07001 | 27 June 1962 | 2 July 1977 | Staveley Limeworks, Buxton 1976, later preserved, now owned by Harry Needle Railroad Company located at Barrow Hill | |
| D2986 | 07002 | 16 June 1962 | Powell Duffryn, Kidwelly, 1976, Scrapped on site in the 1980s | ||
| D2987 | 07003 | 4 October 1976 | P Wood, Queenborough 1976, later British Industrial Sand at Oakamoor, scrapped 1985 | ||
| D2988 | 07004 (not carried) | 6 May 1973 | Scrapped at Eastleigh Works in 1973 | ||
| D2989 | 07005 | 27 June 1962 | 2 July 1977 | ICI Wilton, Middlesbrough 1976, named Langbaurgh whilst at ICI Wilton.[12] Now preserved at the Great Central Railway | |
| D2990 | 07006 | 13 July 1962 | Powell Duffryn, Kidwelly 1976, scrapped on site in the 1980s | ||
| D2991 | 07007 (not carried while in capital stock) | 21 July 1962 | 6 May 1973 | Knights Rail Services at Eastleigh Works | |
| D2992 | 07008 (not carried) | 28 July 1962 | Scrapped at Eastleigh Works in 1976 | ||
| D2993 | 07009 | 21 August 1962 | 4 October 1976 | P Wood, Queenborough 1976, later exported to Italy, scrapped in 1997 | |
| D2994 | 07010 | 5 September 1962 | Preserved firstly at West Somerset Railway, now at Avon Valley Railway | ||
| D2995 | 07011 | 22 September 1962 | 2 July 1977 | Privately owned at St Leonards TMD, fitted with high-level brake pipes on one end for shunting DEMU vehicles | |
| D2996 | 07012 | 6 October 1962 | Powell Duffryn, Kidwelly 1976, currently at Scunthorpe Steelworks | ||
| D2997 | 07013 | 20 October 1962 | Dow Chemical Company, King's Lynn 1976, preserved firstly at Barrow Hill, now at the East Lancashire Railway | ||
| D2998 | 07014 (not carried) | 10 November 1962 | 6 May 1973 | Scrapped at Eastleigh Works in 1976 |
Technical details
[edit]- Engine: Ruston/Paxman 6RPHL Mk. 3, 60° V6, 29.3-litre, 6-cylinder, indirect injection, 4-stroke
- Main Generator: AEI RTB6652
- Traction motor: AEI RTA6652, spigot mounted on a double reduction, axle-hung, final drive gearbox
Locomotive (air) and train (vacuum) brakes were fitted from new. Air train braking was added later, in some cases with high-level air brake pipes for use with Southern Region electric multiple units. Originally the class had radio communication sets fitted for use at Southampton Docks, the aerial located on the top right-hand corner of the engine bonnet.[2] These were removed when operation at the docks ceased.
Models
[edit]Class 07 is available as a kit and a ready-to-run model in OO gauge by Heljan.[13]
Notes
[edit]- ^ So-called because they were purchased from the US Army Transportation Corps following World War II.
References
[edit]- ^ "Diesel shunters for Southampton Docks". The Railway Magazine. Vol. 108, no. 737. London: Tothill Press. September 1962. pp. 599–600.
- ^ a b c Wakelam, Frank (July 1979). "07s at Eastleigh". Railway Modeller. Vol. 30, no. 345. Beer: Peco Publications & Publicity Ltd. p. 248.
- ^ a b Taylor, Ken. A Decade After. Walsall: Midland Railfans.
- ^ a b Furness, Ian (7 September 2008). "Disposals: Class 07". WNXX End of the Line: Withdrawn & Stored Locomotives UK. WNXX.com. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ "UK Traction Overseas". Modern Locomotives Illustrated. No. 235. February 2019. p. 8.
- ^ Johnson, Howard (November 1985). "Traction Talk". Rail Enthusiast. No. 50. Peterborough: EMAP National Publications. p. 43.
- ^ Taylor, Ken. A Decade After (Appendix 1). Walsall: Midland Railfans.
- ^ Furness, Ian (7 September 2008). "Fleet Status: UK Locomotive Database". WNXX End of the Line: Withdrawn & Stored Locomotives UK. WNXX.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2007. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ Carr, Richard (29 October 2008). "Paxman and Diesel Rail Traction". Richard Carr's Paxman History Pages. paxmanhistory.org.uk. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
- ^ "Avon Valley Railway YouTube". YouTube. 22 September 2013.
- ^ Wilson, Andrew. "Shunters : 07013". Heritage Shunters Trust. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ Industrial Locomotives 1982. Industrial Railway Society. 1982. p. 35. ISBN 0-901096-43-1.
- ^ "Class 07 0-6-0 Ruston & Hornsby Dock Shunter". Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- Vehicle Diagram Book No. 120 for Shunting Diesel Locomotives (PDF). Derby: British Railways Board. April 1974. 07-a, 07-b – via Barrowmore MRG.
British Rail Class 07
View on GrokipediaDevelopment
Background
In the early 1960s, British Rail's Southern Region underwent significant dieselization efforts at Southampton Docks, driven by the need to modernize operations and replace aging steam locomotives. The SR USA Class 0-6-0T tank engines, which had been crucial for shunting duties in the dock complex since their introduction to Southern Railway service in 1946, were becoming increasingly uneconomical and maintenance-intensive amid the broader shift away from steam power across the British rail network.[1][5] To address these operational challenges, in 1960 the Southern Region's decision-makers sought a new class of shunting locomotives that balanced power output with the specific demands of dockyard work. Existing options like the underpowered Class 04, rated at 204 hp, proved insufficient for heavier shunting tasks, while the more powerful Class 12 at 350 hp was deemed excessive and less maneuverable in confined spaces. The compromise settled upon was a 275 hp diesel-electric design, offering adequate tractive effort without overwhelming the tight curves and restricted clearances of the Southampton Docks layout.[1] This led to the initial commissioning process, where British Rail procured the locomotives from Ruston & Hornsby, emphasizing compact dimensions and versatile performance tailored to dockyard requirements such as rapid coupling, precise movements, and handling of diverse freight including perishable goods and containers. A total of 14 units were ordered specifically for Southampton Docks, marking a targeted investment in efficient, low-emission shunting to support the port's growing cargo volumes.[1][6]Design and Construction
The contract for the design and construction of 14 off-centre cab 0-6-0 diesel-electric shunters was awarded to Ruston & Hornsby at their Lincoln works by the Southern Region of British Railways in 1960.[7] These locomotives, designated as Class 07, represented a bespoke solution tailored for heavy shunting duties, drawing on Ruston & Hornsby's established expertise in industrial diesel locomotives. The design featured a Paxman 6RPHL Mk III engine coupled to an AEI generator driving traction motors.[8][7] Construction of the fleet commenced in June 1962, with all 14 units completed by November 1962, allowing for rapid deployment to meet operational needs at Southampton Docks.[9] The build process emphasized robust fabrication suitable for dockside environments, incorporating the company's standard practices for shunter assembly while adapting to British Rail specifications.[1] Under the Southern Region's pre-TOPS numbering scheme, the locomotives were initially allocated numbers D2985 through D2998 upon completion.[8] With the introduction of the TOPS classification system in 1973, they were allocated numbers 07001 to 07014, though not all received their new numbers before withdrawal.[1]Operational Service
Allocations and Duties
The British Rail Class 07 locomotives were initially allocated to Southampton Docks on the Southern Region, where they entered service in 1962 to perform shunting duties in the extensive and confined dockyard network, replacing older steam locomotives such as the USA class tanks. These 14 diesel-electric shunters, numbered D2985–D2998, were specifically suited to the tight curves and restricted spaces of the docks, handling the movement of freight wagons and early container traffic across approximately 80 miles of track at the port's peak. Based initially at the Southampton Dock Shed until its closure in January 1966, they operated from a former steam shed near the River Itchen, with maintenance conducted by British Transport Docks Board staff.[1][10] Following the closure of the Southampton Dock Shed in January 1966, the Class 07 locomotives were reallocated to Eastleigh depot, where they took on secondary roles including internal movements within Eastleigh Works and yard shunting operations. In the late 1960s, several were fitted with air-brake equipment and waist-height air hoses to facilitate the shunting of Southern Region multiple unit stock, enhancing their versatility for departmental tasks. Occasionally, locomotives were transferred to Bournemouth for specific duties, such as hauling empty electric multiple units (EMUs) on short trips, though these were limited and not a primary allocation.[1][11] Throughout their British Rail career, the Class 07 fleet remained confined to the Southern Region, serving primarily from 1963 until the mid-1970s without significant re-allocations to other regions or depots. Under the TOPS system introduced in 1973, they were renumbered 07001–07014, continuing light shunting and transfer roles until progressive withdrawals began in 1973 due to the broader rationalization of dock and works operations. Their compact design as dock shunters proved adaptable but ultimately limited their deployment beyond these localized duties.[1][11]Performance Characteristics
The British Rail Class 07 locomotives exhibited solid reliability in shunting duties at docks and works, with their Paxman 6RPHL engines capable of extended operation—up to 50 hours per week in some cases—and requiring minimal maintenance over decades of service.[12] However, the class suffered from recurrent hot axlebox overheating, a problem first observed during the rail delivery of the initial units in 1962, which enforced speed limits well below the design maximum of 27.5 mph and often restricted practical running to 15-20 mph on longer transfers.[13] This issue stemmed from the design's sensitivity to sustained speeds above shunting paces, prompting most inter-depot movements to be handled by road transport rather than rail. The lightweight construction, at 42.9 long tons, contributed to limitations under heavy loads, reducing traction effectiveness on steeper gradients common in dockyard operations and occasionally requiring assistance from heavier shunters like the Class 08.[13] Despite these constraints, the locomotives proved adequate for their intended primary dock usage, where low-speed maneuvering predominated.[12] In terms of safety, the Class 07 recorded no major accidents or derailments directly linked to the locomotive design throughout its British Rail service, though minor coupling incidents arose during precise maneuvers in confined dock spaces.[13]End of Service
Withdrawal
The withdrawal of the British Rail Class 07 locomotives commenced in May 1973, prompted by the ongoing decline in shunting requirements at Southampton Docks following the depot's closure in January 1966.[1] This shift was largely driven by the advent of containerization in UK ports during the late 1960s, which streamlined cargo handling and diminished the demand for labor-intensive dockside shunting operations.[14] As British Rail pursued fleet standardization and modernization in the 1970s, the Class 07—originally a specialized design for dock duties—became obsolete alongside the rise of more versatile and reliable standard shunters such as the Class 08.[15] The final locomotives were retired by July 1977, with the entire class of 14 units removed from service.[1] Of these, seven were scrapped at works including Eastleigh, while the remainder were stored at locations such as Eastleigh pending disposal. Some early withdrawals were accelerated by recurring hot axlebox issues that affected operational reliability.[1]Disposal to Industry
Following their withdrawal from British Rail, six Class 07 locomotives were sold to private industrial operators between 1976 and 1977 for continued shunting duties.[13] These sales targeted companies requiring compact diesel-electric shunters for internal operations, leveraging the locomotives' proven suitability for tight dock and yard environments.[1] Notable examples include D2990 (07006), acquired by Powell Duffryn at their Kidwelly facility in 1976 for use in coal handling and quarrying-related shunting.[16] Similarly, D2985 (07001) was sold to Staveley Limeworks in Buxton during the same period, where it handled internal wagon movements within the lime production site.[13] Other recipients encompassed firms such as the Dow Chemical Company at King's Lynn (07013) and P. Wood at Queenborough, Kent (07003 and 07009), reflecting the class's appeal to diverse industrial sectors including chemicals, sand extraction, and general freight handling.[13] Additionally, 07011 and 07012 were sold to the Ministry of Defence, renumbered as 433 and 428, and used at Ludgershall until the late 1990s.[1] In private ownership, the locomotives undertook tasks akin to their British Rail roles, such as marshalling wagons in confined sidings and factories, often without significant modifications.[17] Service durations varied considerably: some, like 07009, saw only brief use before export to Italy and subsequent scrapping in 1997, while others endured for over a decade in demanding conditions.[13] For instance, 07002 and 07006 at Powell Duffryn operated into the early 1980s before being scrapped on site.[13] By the 1990s, the majority of these industrial examples had been withdrawn and scrapped due to wear, obsolescence, and the shift toward more modern equipment, with no Class 07 units remaining in active commercial industrial service today.[13]Preservation
Preserved Examples
Seven examples of the British Rail Class 07 have survived into preservation, representing half of the original 14 locomotives built. These survivors were acquired by enthusiast groups, heritage organisations, private owners, or rail services providers from scrapyards, industrial users, or storage sites between the late 1970s and the 2000s, often following their withdrawal from British Rail service in the 1970s. Restoration efforts have focused on cosmetic overhauls, bodywork repairs (including boilerplate fabrication for structural integrity), and mechanical maintenance to return them to operational condition where possible.[1] The preserved locomotives are as follows:- 07001: Acquired for preservation in 2008 after service with Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC), this locomotive is owned by the Heritage Shunters Trust and based at Peak Rail, Rowsley, where it has been restored to operational status with ongoing maintenance for brake van rides and gala events.[4]
- 07005: Preserved at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough, following industrial use at ICI Wilton in Cleveland; it was rescued in the early 2000s and has received cosmetic restoration to maintain its external appearance in BR blue livery.[18]
- 07007: Based at Eastleigh Works, this example was saved from scrapping in the late 1970s and acquired by rail services provider Knights Rail Services (formerly Arlington Fleet Group), with restoration including repainting and minor mechanical work to support its use as a works shunter. Mainline registered in April 2008.[1]
- 07010: Preserved at the Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, acquired directly from British Rail in the 1970s; it has undergone bodywork repairs but is awaiting major mechanical overhaul following electrical failure in December 2014.[19]
- 07011: Privately owned at St Leonards TMD, this locomotive was rescued from industrial use in the 1990s; it has benefited from cosmetic overhauls and is maintained in Rail Blue livery for occasional shunting duties.[20]
- 07012: Preserved at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, acquired in the early 2000s from storage following private industrial service; restoration efforts have included cosmetic work and it is displayed as part of the site's diesel collection.[21]
- 07013: Located at the East Lancashire Railway, Bury, this locomotive was rescued from industrial use in the 1980s by the ELR Diesel Group and has benefited from external restoration to BR Blue livery, though it remains stored awaiting full mechanical overhaul as of 2024.[2]
Current Operations
As of November 2025, preserved British Rail Class 07 locomotives primarily serve in heritage railway contexts or private use, focusing on demonstrations of shunting operations and public education about mid-20th-century diesel technology. Among these, 07001 is fully operational and based at the Heritage Shunters Trust's facility in Brightmore Shed, Rowsley South, Derbyshire, on the Peak Rail line, where it routinely performs during diesel galas and visitor events.[4] 07007 remains in active service as a works shunter at Eastleigh for Knights Rail Services. No. 07005 remains on static display at the Great Central Railway, serving as an exhibit of the class's compact design tailored for dockyard duties.[18] These locomotives participate in heritage events, including shunting demonstrations at galas and limited railtours, with their roles emphasizing historical reenactments rather than revenue service; operational protocols have seen no major alterations since 2024.[4] For instance, 07001 was active during the Peak Rail Twin Peaks Gala in April 2025, hauling demonstration trains.[22] Maintenance of these engines is overseen by dedicated volunteer groups or private owners, who address ongoing challenges such as sourcing obsolete components for the Paxman 6RPHL power units, exacerbated by corrosion and the scarcity of specialized skilled labor like electricians.[4] These efforts ensure intermittent reliability for event use, supported by public donations to the trusts.[4]Technical Details
Power and Transmission
The British Rail Class 07 locomotives were powered by a Paxman 6RPHL Mk III six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, developing 275 hp (205 kW) at 1,360 rpm.[1] This engine featured indirect fuel injection via Ricardo Comet combustion chambers and a water-cooled system with direct-drive fans for efficient operation during prolonged low-speed maneuvers.[23] Designed primarily for shunting duties, the engine's output provided a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 6.4 hp per long ton, based on the locomotive's 42 long tons 18 cwt (42.9 long tons) weight, which suited short-haul dockside work but constrained higher-speed performance to a maximum of 20 mph (32 km/h).[1][24] Power was transmitted via a diesel-electric system, with the engine driving an AEI RTB6652 main generator to produce electrical current for propulsion.[24] This current powered four AEI RTA6652 series-wound traction motors, one mounted on each axle in a nose-suspended arrangement with double-reduction gearing, enabling precise control and smooth acceleration at low speeds essential for shunting operations.[24] The setup eliminated the need for mechanical gearboxes, reducing maintenance while optimizing torque delivery for the Class 07's intended dockyard environment.[1]Dimensions and Capacities
The British Rail Class 07 locomotives featured compact dimensions suited to dockside shunting operations, with an overall length of 26 ft 9.5 in (8.17 m), a width of 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m), and a height of 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m). The wheelbase measured 8 ft 7.5 in (2.63 m), contributing to their maneuverability on tight curves.[25] In working order, these locomotives weighed 42 long tons 18 cwt (43.6 tonnes), with a maximum axle load of 7 tons 5.75 cwt (7.4 tonnes) to comply with dock infrastructure limits.[1] Fuel capacity was provided by a 300 imperial gallons (1,400 L) tank, supporting extended shunting duties without frequent refueling. Sand boxes held 14 cu ft (0.40 m³) of sand, dispensed to the rails for improved traction on slippery surfaces common in port environments.[25]| Specification | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length (over buffers) | 26 ft 9.5 in | 8.17 m |
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | 2.59 m |
| Height | 12 ft 10 in | 3.91 m |
| Wheelbase | 8 ft 7.5 in | 2.63 m |
| Weight (working order) | 42 long tons 18 cwt | 43.6 tonnes |
| Maximum axle load | 7 tons 5.75 cwt | 7.4 tonnes |
| Fuel capacity | 300 imp gal | 1,400 L |
| Sand capacity | 14 cu ft | 0.40 m³ |
