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British Rail Class 09
British Rail Class 09
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British Rail Class 09
09008 at Coalville open day in 1991.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBritish Railways' Darlington Works, Horwich Works
Build date1959, 1961–1962 (09/0)
Total produced26 (09/0)
Rebuild date1992–1993 (09/1, 09/2)
Number rebuilt12 (7 09/1 + 5 09/2)
Specifications
Configuration:
 • Whyte0-6-0DE
 • UICC
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter4 ft 6 in (1.372 m)
Minimum curve3.5 chains (70.41 m)
Wheelbase11 ft 6 in (3.505 m)
Length29 ft 3 in (8.92 m)
Width8 ft 6 in (2.591 m)
Height12 ft 8+12 in (3.874 m)
Loco weight49 long tons (49.8 t; 54.9 short tons)
Fuel capacity668 imp gal (3,040 L; 802 US gal)
Prime moverEnglish Electric 6KT
GeneratorDC English Electric 801
Traction motors2 x English Electric 506
TransmissionDiesel-electric, double reduction gearing
Train heatingNone
Train brakesoriginally Vacuum, later Dual, some now Air only
Performance figures
Maximum speed27.5 mph (44.3 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 350 hp (261 kW)[dubiousdiscuss]
Tractive effortMaximum: 25,000 lbf (111.2 kN)
Continuous: 8,800 lbf (39.1 kN)[dubiousdiscuss]
Brakeforce19 long tons-force (189 kN)
Career
OperatorsBritish Rail
Number in class38
Numbers09/0: D3665–D3671, D3719–D3721, D4099–D4114;
later 09001–09026
09/1: 09101-09107
09/2: 09201-09205
NicknamesGronk
Supergronk[1]
Axle load classRA 5
Withdrawn1981–present
Disposition12 preserved, 25 still in service, 2 scrapped

The British Rail Class 09 is a class of 0-6-0 diesel locomotive designed primarily for shunting and short-distance freight trips along branch lines.[2]

The 26 locos are nearly identical to the more numerous Class 08 shunting locomotives but have different gearing, giving a higher top speed of 27.5 mph (44 km/h) at the expense of a lower tractive effort. They were introduced from 1959 to 1962 and latterly operated in the Southern Region of British Railways, although some of the class were originally allocated to depots in the Midlands and North.[3] Further locomotives were converted from Class 08 in 1992 and, following this and privatisation in 1997, the class has been distributed much further afield.

Passenger operations

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Although not normally considered for passenger work, Class 09s were recorded working passenger trains between Clapham Junction and Kensington Olympia when the booked Class 33 diesel was unavailable.[4]

They were also used on railtours which needed to depart Brighton heading along the West Coastway Line or vice versa. To achieve this the 09 worked between Brighton and Preston Park, allowing the main tour locomotive to work the train forward via the Cliftonville tunnel and Hove.[5] The connection to the West Coastway Line at Brighton can only be used by four car trains due to the arrangement of the points and track.

Liveries

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Post-Privatisation

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The following liveries have been carried since the privatisation of British Rail:

Sub-classes

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09011 at Bescot on 16 February 2001

The original 26 locomotives (built 1959–1962) became sub-class 09/0 when further locomotives were modified from Class 08s in 1992 which became subclasses Classes 09/1 and 09/2. There were variations, which were given the following TOPS design codes:

Class 09/0

[edit]
TOPS design code Electrical system Max speed Weight Brakes Route availability Notes
09-0AX 110 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 50.4 long tons (51.2 t; 56.4 short tons) dual ? Original design
09-0BA 110 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 51.0 long tons (51.8 t; 57.1 short tons) air 6 knuckle couplings fitted (09003/11)

Classes 09/1 & 09/2

[edit]
TOPS design code Electrical system Max speed Weight Brakes Route availability Notes
09-1AX 110 V 27.5 mph (formerly 20 mph) 50.4 long tons (51.2 t; 56.4 short tons) dual ?
09-1BX 110 V 27.5 mph (formerly 15 mph) 50.4 long tons (51.2 t; 56.4 short tons) dual ?
09-1CX 110 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 49.0 long tons (49.8 t; 54.9 short tons) dual ? fitted with knuckle couplings
09-1EA 110 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 51.0 long tons (51.8 t; 57.1 short tons) air 6 fitted with knuckle couplings
09-2AA 90 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 49.6 long tons (50.4 t; 55.6 short tons) air ?
09-2BX 90 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 50.5 long tons (51.3 t; 56.6 short tons) dual ?
09-2DA 90 V 27.5 mph (44.3 km/h) 51.0 long tons (51.8 t; 57.1 short tons) air 6 fitted with knuckle couplings

Preservation

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12 members of the class have been preserved[7]

Model railways

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Lima produced a range of Class 09s in OO gauge.[10]

Hornby Railways and Bachmann have also produced 00 gauge models of Class 09 locomotives.

References and sources

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Class 09 is a class of 0-6-0 diesel-electric shunting locomotives built for primarily for yard shunting and short-distance freight trips on branch lines. Introduced in the late 1950s as part of 's dieselization program, the class consists of 26 locomotives produced between 1959 and 1962 at and Works, featuring a modified design based on the ubiquitous Class 08 but with higher gearing for improved speed. These locomotives were powered by a 350 horsepower English Electric 6KT six-cylinder diesel engine, driving a generator that supplied traction motors on the unpowered bogie-less underframe, with a maximum speed of 27.5 mph achieved through gearing designed for higher speed than the standard Class 08's 20 mph limit. Allocated predominantly to Southern Region depots such as Hither Green and Ashford, the Class 09s handled freight operations including those on lines like the East Kent route, where their of up to 25,000 lbf proved advantageous for light mainline running beyond typical shunting tasks. Originally numbered in the D3xxx and D4xxx series before reclassification to 09xxx in 1973, many Class 09s remained in service into the late , with some later exported or preserved. Preservation efforts have kept several examples operational on heritage railways, such as No. 09018 (formerly D4106) at the , highlighting their robust design and historical role in Britain's transition to diesel traction.

Background and development

Origins and design influences

The British Rail Class 09 emerged in the late as part of the broader dieselisation efforts following the nationalisation of Britain's railways in , which aimed to modernise an aging -dominated network facing financial pressures. Early trials in had demonstrated that diesel-electric shunters could significantly reduce operational costs compared to equivalents, including bill reductions of up to 75% and overall shunting cost savings of around 35%. This push accelerated with the 1955 Modernisation Plan, a comprehensive strategy by the to replace with diesel and electric alternatives, targeting shunting duties as a priority area for cost savings and operational reliability. The Class 09's design was directly influenced by the earlier Class 08 shunter, developed in 1952 under the direction of Robert Arthur Riddles at Derby Works as British Rail's standard diesel shunter. Retaining the wheel arrangement proven effective for tight-radius shunting, the Class 09 addressed limitations in the Class 08 by incorporating gearing for a higher top speed of 27 mph, compared to the Class 08's 20 mph, enabling short-distance "trip" workings beyond yard confines. This enhancement supported operations in hump yards, where locomotives needed to handle descending wagons at controlled speeds without air brakes, leading to the initial specification of vacuum brakes only. The design of the Class 09 was developed in the late 1950s as part of British Rail's intensifying dieselisation drive under the 1955 Modernisation Plan, amid escalating deficits reaching £48.1 million by 1958. The pilot scheme's success in evaluating 174 early mainline diesel locomotives contributed to the broader shift toward diesel traction. Ordered as a variant suited for both intensive shunting and limited line-haul tasks, it built on the Class 08's framework to meet British Rail's requirements for versatile, low-maintenance locomotives in the post-steam era.

Construction and builders

The British Rail Class 09 locomotives, developed as a higher-geared variant of the Class 08 shunter for trip workings, were constructed entirely by British Railways at its and works. A total of 26 units were produced between 1959 and 1962 to meet demand for more capable shunting engines on the Southern Region and beyond. The initial batch of ten locomotives was assembled at in 1959, comprising numbers D3665–D3671 and D3719–D3721, while the remaining sixteen followed at in 1961–1962 as D4099–D4114. These works handled the full assembly, integrating English Electric power and electrical equipment into the standard diesel-electric frame. Under the Total Operations Processing System () introduced in the , the fleet was renumbered sequentially as 09001–09026, reflecting their classification as dedicated shunters with enhanced speed capabilities up to 27 mph. Construction emphasized durability for yard and short-haul duties, with each weighing approximately 49 tons and measuring 29 feet 3 inches in length. The originals featured a welded all-steel body for structural integrity and a vacuum-only braking system, suitable for the era's freight operations.

Technical specifications

Powertrain and engine

The British Rail Class 09 shunting locomotives are powered by an English Electric 6KT inline six-cylinder, four-stroke, naturally aspirated diesel engine rated at 350 hp (261 kW) continuous power output at 680 rpm. This engine, derived from earlier designs used in smaller locomotives, provides reliable low-speed torque suitable for yard operations. The prime mover is directly coupled to a DC English Electric type 801 generator, which converts into electrical power to drive the traction system. This generator feeds two English Electric type 506 series-wound DC traction , body-mounted on the and nose-suspended, with each driving one via a and on the second and fifth axles respectively, connected via coupling rods to transmit drive to all six wheels. The diesel-electric transmission incorporates double reduction gearing for efficient power delivery at low speeds. Control features include wheel-slip protection to maintain during acceleration and rheostatic braking, which dissipates energy through the traction motors for precise low-speed handling without reliance on brakes alone. The holds 668 imperial gallons (3,040 L), supporting extended shunting duties.

Dimensions, weight, and performance

The British Rail Class 09 features a compact design suited to shunting duties, with a over buffers of 29 ft 3 in (8.92 m) and a of 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m). These dimensions provide maneuverability in tight yard environments while maintaining stability for light freight operations. The standard Class 09/0 weighs 49 long tons (49.8 t or 111,000 lb), distributing its mass evenly across the six driving axles to minimize track wear. Later variants, such as the 09/1 and 09/2 sub-classes rebuilt from Class 08s, have a slightly higher weight of 50.4 long tons (51.2 t or 112,900 lb) due to modifications including air brake equipment. Performance characteristics include a top speed of 27.5 mph (44 km/h), achieved through re-gearing compared to the slower Class 08, enabling short runs beyond pure shunting. The starting stands at 25,000 lbf (111 kN), sufficient for handling typical wagon formations in yards or sidings, with continuous effort rated at 8,800 lbf (39 kN) at around 11.6 mph. Powered by the 350 hp English Electric 6KT engine, these metrics support reliable low-speed operations. Originally fitted with vacuum brakes operating at 21 inHg for train control, the Class 09 provided effective stopping power with a brake force equivalent to 19 long tons (190 kN). Sub-classes like the 09/1 and 09/2 received dual air and vacuum systems, and some units were later converted to air-only braking to align with modern freight requirements.

Operational history

Shunting and freight duties

The British Rail Class 09 locomotives were primarily employed for hump shunting operations in major marshalling yards, where their higher top speed of 27 mph compared to the Class 08 facilitated more efficient wagon sorting and movement over short distances within the yard. These duties involved propelling and controlling wagons down hump inclines for classification into trains, a critical function in the freight handling networks of the era. From 1962, Class 09s were allocated to the London Midland and Southern Regions, with initial batches such as D4105–D4114 going to the London Midland Region and D3665–D3671, D3719–D3721, and D4099–D4104 to the Southern Region, enabling their integration into regional shunting fleets. Typical duties extended beyond yards to short-haul trip freights covering up to 20 miles, as well as coupling and uncoupling wagons in industrial sidings at factories, docks, and collieries, supporting the assembly and dispatch of local freight consignments. On the Southern Region, they handled freight on lines like the East Kent route, where their enhanced proved advantageous. By 1965, the class had achieved widespread deployment across British Rail's freight infrastructure, with the original 26 locomotives fully operational and handling substantial volumes of coal traffic from mining areas and engineering materials for track maintenance and construction projects. These roles persisted into the 1990s, even as overall freight volumes declined, with Class 09s remaining vital for residual shunting and short-trip operations until many were withdrawn amid network rationalization.

Passenger and departmental services

Although primarily designed for shunting and freight operations, the British Rail Class 09 locomotives were occasionally utilised for limited passenger workings, particularly on short-distance shuttle services where their geared top speed of 27 mph proved adequate. The Class 09's design, however, emphasised low-speed manoeuvrability over sustained passenger-hauling capability, rendering it unsuitable for regular or high-speed services and limiting these deployments to exceptional circumstances. From the 1980s onwards, several Class 09s were repurposed for departmental duties, including track maintenance and trains, where their robust construction supported support roles. Notable allocations included No. 09018, which was transferred to the Civil Engineer's fleet, renumbered as DE250018, and based at Ashford in 1991 for such tasks. Similarly, No. 09009 served in departmental capacity at depot, bearing the name "Three Bridges C.E.D." (Civil Engineer's Department) from 1990. These assignments underscored the locomotive's adaptability to non-revenue engineering operations, often involving the hauling of maintenance equipment over short distances. Locomotive No. 09019 was recorded operating along main lines in proximity to passenger services at Newington, , in 1991, demonstrating their rare but practical application in such contexts.

Variants and modifications

Class 09/0

The Class 09/0 variant comprises the original batch of British Rail Class 09 diesel shunters, totaling 26 units constructed between 1959 and 1962 at British Railways' Darlington Works and Works. These locomotives were designed as higher-geared derivatives of the contemporary Class 08, offering a top speed of 27.5 mph for enhanced short-haul capabilities while retaining the core and English Electric 6KT 350 hp . Their construction emphasized reliability for yard duties, with a straightforward layout that avoided complex modifications seen in subsequent variants. A defining feature of the Class 09/0 was its exclusive use of braking systems, without dual air provisions, which simplified and reduced overall build costs relative to more versatile later models. Initially, these units also lacked multiple-unit control wiring, limiting them to independent operation in shunting roles. This baseline configuration made them cost-effective for British Rail's widespread depot needs, with production spanning small lots: D3665–D3671 and D3719–D3721 at Works in 1959–1961, followed by D4099–D4114 at Works in 1962. Upon the implementation of the () in 1973, the locomotives received the designation 09/0 to denote their unmodified status, with numbers renumbered from the original 13xxx/4xxx series to 09001–09026. In operational service, allocations were distributed across British Rail's , though the majority served the at key facilities including , , Hither Green, Norwood Junction, and Ashford, where they handled trip freights and yard maneuvers. Some units saw postings to other areas, such as the , reflecting flexible deployment for local traffic demands. The Class 09/0's service life was impacted by the economic downturn of the , during which reduced freight volumes led to surplus shunting locomotives across classes, resulting in many 09/0 units being withdrawn or stored at depots like Chart Leacon and . Despite this, their robust construction ensured longevity, with several remaining active into the 1990s and beyond; as of 2025, a few examples continue in industrial and heritage service.

Classes 09/1 and 09/2

In the early 1990s, undertook a programme to convert twelve surplus Class 08 diesel shunters to the higher-geared Class 09 configuration, creating the sub-classes 09/1 and 09/2 between 1992 and 1993. These rebuilds involved modifying the transmission to achieve a top speed of 27 mph, enabling more versatile use on short main line runs alongside traditional shunting tasks, thereby extending the operational life of the locomotives amid fleet rationalisation efforts prior to privatisation. The conversions distinguished these units from the earlier, unmodified Class 09/0 variants by incorporating updated components suited to contemporary network demands. The seven locomotives rebuilt as Class 09/1, numbered 09101 to 09107 under classification, were fitted with 110-volt electrical equipment, aligning with the original Southern Region Class 09 design for compatibility in that area. In contrast, the five units designated Class 09/2, numbered 09201 to 09205, received 90-volt electrical systems to better suit operations in regions with differing infrastructure standards. Both sub-classes retained the core English Electric 4SRKT engine but gained dual braking capabilities where absent on the donor Class 08s, enhancing safety and on mixed-traffic lines. These modifications were primarily executed to support departmental and functions, with the 09/1 units emphasising potential through compatible coupling arrangements. Post-privatisation, the Classes 09/1 and 09/2 locomotives were absorbed into private operator fleets, notably English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS), where they undertook shunting at major depots and hauled engineering trains across and the Southern Region. Their allocation to pools such as those at , , and Ashford underscored their role in non-passenger services, including track maintenance and infrastructure support, until gradual withdrawals in the 2000s. As of 2025, a few examples continue in industrial and heritage service. The distinct electrical configurations allowed flexible deployment, with the 09/2 variants particularly adapted for specialised departmental duties requiring robust traction enhancements.

Liveries

British Rail era

The Class 09 locomotives entered service between 1959 and 1962 in the standard green livery, featuring Brunswick green bodywork with a grey or black underframe and red buffer beams. This livery was applied to diesel shunters as part of 's early standardization for new builds following the shift from traction. From 1963, surviving green-liveried examples received small warning panels on the cab ends to improve visibility, in line with British Rail's safety directive for diesel locomotives. These panels were initially modest in size, covering approximately one-third of the cab front, before evolving into larger markings on later repaints. The transition to rail began in 1965 as part of British Rail's corporate rebranding, with Class 09 examples progressively repainted in overall Monastral with full ends for enhanced conspicuity. This scheme, officially introduced on 1 January 1965, became the dominant through the 1970s and 1980s, often featuring a small warning panel on the body sides until full ends were standardized. In the 1980s, some locomotives allocated to departmental roles were painted in infrastructure grey for duties. Numbering and identification markings evolved with the introduction of the classification system in 1973, under which the original D-prefixed numbers (e.g., D4106) were replaced by 09xxx formats, such as 09018. Early liveries carried the lion-and- emblem—a golden demi-lion rampant over a silver —from 1956 until its replacement by the double-arrow in 1965, after which both emblems appeared on locomotives depending on repaint timing.

Post-privatisation and private owners

Following the in the mid-1990s, Class 09 locomotives entered service with various private operators, where they received aligned with company branding to distinguish their freight and shunting roles. English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) adopted several Class 09s into its fleet, applying the distinctive red body with gold accents and yellow warning panels ; for instance, 09017 was painted in this scheme while operated by EWS before its withdrawal. As EWS rebranded to DB Schenker in 2009, the red livery persisted with minor updates, such as simplified logos, on retained Class 09s used for yard duties. (GBRf) incorporated units like 09009 into its operations at sites including Barton Dock, , where they carried the operator's blue livery with white and yellow detailing to match its bulk freight fleet. Private hire arrangements led to occasional unique applications, such as departmental or short-term operator-specific repaints outside standard fleets. The (HNRC) maintained a pool of active Class 08/09 shunters for spot-hire, often in the company's yellow house colours or unbranded grey for versatility in contracts. Following HNRC's sale of most assets to Swietelsky AG in January , the locomotives transferred to the new owner's management while preserving their hire-focused role.

Withdrawal and preservation

Withdrawal process

The withdrawal process for the British Rail Class 09 diesel shunters was gradual, commencing in the early amid fleet rationalization and the approach of rail privatization. The first withdrawal was No. 09002 in September 1992. Withdrawals and transfers to private owners accelerated in the , coinciding with modernization efforts. Of the original 26 locomotives (plus 12 later conversions to sub-classes 09/1 and 09/2), few were scrapped, with examples including No. 09003 cut up in 2010 and No. 09005 in 2009 at C F Booth, . Most surviving examples were transferred to industrial, departmental, or private use rather than decommissioned. The primary reasons for withdrawal included technological obsolescence relative to upgraded Class 08 variants and the more versatile Class 66 locomotives, as well as a decline in shunting requirements following in , which fragmented operations. By 2000, many locomotives had been transferred to private owners for continued industrial or heritage use. Class 09s continue in service into the 2020s, with approximately 10 units operational in non-preserved roles as of 2024, mainly supporting infrastructure maintenance tasks for rail network operators.

Preserved locomotives

Several examples of the British Rail Class 09 have been preserved on heritage railways and in museums across the , with 12 units surviving as of 2025. These include representatives from both the standard 09/0 sub-class and the air-braked 09/1 variant, highlighting the locomotive's versatility in shunting roles. Preservation efforts often involve volunteer groups restoring these diesels to operational condition for use on heritage lines, focusing on mechanical overhauls, electrical repairs, and repaints to reflect historical appearances. Notable among the 09/0 examples is No. 09001 (works No. D3665), the pioneer of the class built in 1959 at Works. Acquired by the Heritage Shunters Trust, it underwent extensive restoration including repairs to collision damage on the rear buffer beam and reinstatement of the six marker lights per end, completed over more than 2.5 years by a team led by volunteers Gary Hibbs, Shaun Doughty, John Wade, and Alex Hulme. Now in running order and painted in EWS and , it is based at the Brightmore Shed in Rowsley, , and hired to for gala events. Another 09/0 , No. 09004 (D3668), also built in 1959 at , was preserved after service with and arrived at the in 2003. It has been maintained in operational condition for shunting and passenger duties, though in August 2025 it was loaned to the Spa Valley Railway for their diesel gala, where it demonstrated its 27.5 mph top speed capabilities. The features the higher-geared Southern Region configuration for improved performance. For the 09/1 sub-class, No. 09106 exemplifies preservation of the air-brake equipped variants converted in the from Class 08s. Arriving at the in 2024, it was restored to operational status and repainted in the rare Railfreight livery, adding dual-brake capability to the fleet for enhanced wagon handling during maintenance and events. It remained in service through 2025, hauling tankers and supporting passenger operations. Other preserved 09/0 units include No. 09010 (D3721) at the South Devon Railway, restored to working order after arrival in 2010 with cab overhauls and component replacements, now used for shunting at ; No. 09018 (D4106) at the , operational since purchase by a member consortium in 2013 and featured in 2025 diesel galas; No. 09019 (D4107) at the , acquired by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group in 2024 for long-term security and active in shuttle services from Bishops Lydeard; and No. 09024 (D4112) at the , operational since 2015 preservation and repainted in BR Railfreight Grey in 2017 for pilot duties at Buckley Wells. A static example is No. 09017 (D4105), displayed at the in since withdrawal in 2007, preserving its original 1961 Horwich-built configuration for educational purposes without recent restoration. Overall, approximately seven of the preserved Class 09s are operational on heritage lines as of 2025, providing authentic shunting experiences, while the remainder are stored or maintained statically, with no verified instances of post-preservation scrapping among the surviving fleet.

Model railways

Model representations of the British Rail Class 09 have been produced in several scales, primarily by British manufacturers. In OO scale (1:76), Bachmann offers detailed ready-to-run models, including No. 09009 in BR Blue with wasp stripes (introduced in 2024, featuring DCC compatibility, lighting, and an auto-release system). Other Bachmann variants include No. 09006 in Mainline Freight blue (2002) and No. 09106 in DB Schenker red (2024). Hornby also produces OO scale models, such as No. 09012 in Engineers Grey (2005) and D3721 in BR Green with late crest (2009). , an earlier manufacturer, released models like No. 09007 in Mainline Freight blue. In (1:148), Graham Farish provides models, including No. 09006 in Mainline Freight blue (2022). Larger scale options include (1:43) models from Gaugemaster, such as No. 09022 in heavily weathered BR Blue. These models typically capture the locomotive's distinctive higher gearing and shunting features, with modern versions incorporating (DCC) for enhanced operation.

References

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