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British Rail Class 46
British Rail Class 46
British Rail Class 46
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Derby Type 4
British Rail Class 46
A Class 46 at Exeter St Davids in 1976.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderDerby Works
Build date1961–1963
Total produced56
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UIC(1′Co)(Co1′)
 • Commonwealth1Co-Co1
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve3.5 chains (70 m)
Wheelbase59 ft 8 in (18.19 m)
Length67 ft 11 in (20.70 m)
Width8 ft 10+1⁄2 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight138 long tons (140 t; 155 short tons)
Fuel capacity790 imp gal (3,600 L; 950 US gal)
Lubricant cap.90 U.S. gal (340 L)
Coolant cap.346 U.S. gal (1,310 L)
Prime moverSulzer 12LDA28-B
GeneratorBrush Main: Brush TG160-90 Aux: Brush TG69-28
Traction motorsBrush TM73-68
Cylinders12
Cylinder size11 in × 14 in (280 mm × 360 mm) (bore × stroke)
TransmissionDiesel-electric
Gear ratio62:19
MU working★ Blue Star
Train heatingSteam Stones OK 4625 or Spanner Mk111
Train brakesVacuum
Safety systemsAWS
CouplersBuffers and chain coupler
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (145 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW)
At rail: 1,962 hp (1,463 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 55,000 lbf (245 kN)
Brakeforce63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Career
OperatorsBritish Railways
NumbersD138–D193; later 46 001–46 056
Nicknames‘Peak’
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Withdrawn1977–1984
DispositionThree preserved, one already destined for scrap wrecked in nuclear flask test, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 46 is a class of diesel locomotive. They were built from 1961 to 1963 at British Railways' Derby Works and were initially numbered D138–D193. With the arrival of TOPS they were renumbered to Class 46. Along with the similar Class 44 and 45 locomotives, they became known as Peaks.

Fifty-six locomotives were built. The first was withdrawn in 1977 and all were withdrawn by the end of 1984.

Overview

[edit]

The Class 46 design was structurally the same as the preceding Class 45 build, and had the same Sulzer engine, but differed in the fitment of a Brush generator and traction motors, in place of the Crompton Parkinson equipment fitted to the Class 45. Along with the other Sulzer class 44 and 45 designs they are often referred to as "Peaks", so named because the Class 44s were named after mountains.[1][2]

The British Transport Commission decided to cancel the final twenty Class 46 locomotives then on order and invited bids for twenty locomotives of a new Type 4 specification using the Brush electrical equipment intended for the cancelled order. Brush won the contract with what became the Class 47.[3][4]

In common with the other classes of Peak diesel which had the same design, Class 46 locomotives were prone to cracking of the bogie castings. This was due to the stresses of negotiating sharp curves with a bogie of such length, and also because the buffing gear was mounted on the bogie itself and not on the main frame of the locomotive.[5]

Liveries

[edit]

All Class 46s were delivered in BR Green with a broad horizontal grey stripe on the lower bodyside and small yellow warning panels on the ends. From the late 1960s all were repainted into the corporate image Rail Blue, although repaints carried out at BR depots between works visits did vary and at least D138 (later 46 001) was recorded in Rail Blue with full yellow ends, but retaining the grey stripe on the lower body side.[6]

Naming

[edit]
46 026 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry - the only named Class 46.

Unlike the earlier Peak classes where many had names, only D163 (later 46 026) carried one (Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry) from new. This engine was nicknamed "The Lady" by both staff and rail fans alike. This name is now carried by the preserved Class 45 number D123/45 125.

Detail of 46 026's nameplate.

Operation

[edit]
Distribution of locomotives,
March 1974[7]
British Rail Class 46 is located in England
BR
BR
GD
GD
LA
LA
Code Name Quantity
BR Bristol Bath Road 22
GD Gateshead 24
LA Laira 10
Total: 56

Whilst seeing intermittent use on freight trains, Class 46s were regular performers on passenger turns, particularly North East-South West, Trans-Pennine and secondary North East-London trains,[2][8] and depot allocations reflected this with locos at Gateshead and Plymouth in 1977[9] giving a typical spread. Long-distance freight workings were common, particularly "clay hoods" carrying china clay from Cornwall to the Stoke-on-Trent area.

For a period around 1980, several Class 46 locomotives were placed into storage at Swindon Works. Some were only stored for a few months, but most were reinstated by the end of 1981.[10]

In the 1980s, the remaining locomotives were concentrated at Gateshead depot, and the final booked passenger workings for the class were the dated summer Saturday services Bradford - Weymouth (between Bradford and Birmingham New Street), Newcastle - Plymouth, Newcastle - Blackpool North, and York - Blackpool North.[11] The last five locomotives were officially withdrawn on 25 December 1984.[6]

Beyond revenue service, two Class 46s were transferred to departmental stock in December 1984. 46 035 became 97 403 and was named 'Ixion'. It was used for tests into adhesion and had a large red panel painted on the sides in the then-standard departmental livery. 46 045 was renumbered 97 404 and was retained as a source of spare parts for 97 403 as required.[12]

Disposal of Class 46s was almost exclusively carried out at BR works, with Swindon Works doing much of the work along with Derby Works and Doncaster Works. The two exceptions were 46 027 which was cut up at Vic Berrys scrapyard in Leicester, and 46 009 whose final demise is described below.[6]

Nuclear flask crash test

[edit]
The moment of impact during the nuclear flask test at Old Dalby Test Track, 17 July 1984

On 17 July 1984, 46 009 (formerly D146), hauling three Mark 1 coaches, was deliberately crashed into a "Flatrol" wagon loaded with an empty nuclear waste flask and lying on its side. 46 009 had been adapted so that it could be operated remotely, and also had a camera mounted on the nose to record the impact. At the point when the locomotive hit the flask it was travelling at about 100 mph (160 km/h), and the resulting impact was recorded and later broadcast publicly. The test was carried out on the Old Dalby Test Track and was organised by the CEGB.[13][14][15] The test was intended to demonstrate to the public that there would be no leak of radioactive material in the event of a rail accident involving a train carrying a nuclear waste flask.[13][16]

46 009 was scrapped on site at Old Dalby later the same month by Vic Berry of Leicester. Sister locomotive 46 023 had been the standby locomotive in case 46 009 failed.[17] The flask that was used in this test is on display outside Heysham 1 power station training centre.Images

Preservation

[edit]

Three of the class have been preserved: 46 010 (formerly D147) at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), 46 035 Ixion (formerly D172) at Peak Rail owned by the Waterman Railway Trust, and D182 (46 045) which is owned by the Peak Locomotive Company at the Midland Railway – Butterley[18]

In February 1994, D172 became the first privately owned ex-BR diesel to be certified for main line operation.[19]

[edit]
  • 46 037 at Manchester Victoria (1983)
    46 037 at Manchester Victoria (1983)
  • 46 045 at Walsden (1983)
    46 045 at Walsden (1983)
  • Preserved loco D182 (46 045) at Grosmont (May 2008)
    Preserved loco D182 (46 045) at Grosmont (May 2008)

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

British Rail Class 46

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The British Rail Class 46 comprised 56 diesel-electric built by British Railways at its Works between 1961 and 1963. These Type 4 machines utilized a Sulzer 12LDA28-B V12 prime mover rated at 2,500 horsepower, paired with generators and four traction motors in a 1Co-Co1 . Distinct from the related Class 45 'Peak' locomotives through their adoption of electrical equipment over systems, the Class 46 offered enhanced performance characteristics suited to mixed-traffic duties. Primarily diagrammed on the London Midland Region, Class 46s powered express passenger trains, freight workings, and parcels services, including cross-country routes from the North East to . Their operational versatility extended to specialized tasks, such as hauling trains during trials at Old Dalby. Withdrawals began in 1977 due to reliability issues with the Sulzer engines and the arrival of electric traction on key routes, with the entire class retired by the end of 1984 and most scrapped thereafter. Only one example, 46045 (formerly D182), survives in preservation, maintained by the .

Design and Development

Background and Specifications

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives emerged from the 1955 Modernisation , a comprehensive £1.24 billion initiative by British Railways to replace traction with diesel-electric and electric alternatives, targeting complete elimination of steam operations by 1968. This prioritized the development of versatile Type 4 locomotives capable of handling mixed-traffic duties on non-electrified main lines, addressing the inefficiencies of steam in terms of , , and operational flexibility. The Class 46, built at Works between 1961 and 1963, formed part of the "Peak" family of diesel-electrics, with design decisions informed by prior Sulzer engine trials that demonstrated superior reliability and fuel efficiency compared to rival power plants in empirical testing. Structurally akin to the earlier Class 45 but differentiated by its electrical systems, the Class 46 utilized equipment—including a TM73-68 generator and six TM64-68 traction motors—to serve as a for alternatives to the systems employed in the Class 45, with results contributing to refinements in subsequent designs like the Class 47. The core powertrain centered on the Sulzer 12LDA28-B, a 12-cylinder V-type with a 280 mm bore and 355 mm stroke, delivering 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW) at 750 rpm under continuous rating, emphasizing robust, low-revving marine-derived architecture for sustained heavy-duty performance. Core specifications included a —featuring six powered axles supported by two unpowered pony trucks to meet the 20-ton restriction imposed by standards—a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h), and a weight of 138 long tons. These attributes enabled the Class 46 to undertake express hauls and freight workings requiring high , such as up to 31,600 lbf continuous at 23.3 mph, while maintaining compatibility with standard gauge infrastructure. Fuel capacity stood at 790 imperial gallons, supporting extended operations without frequent refueling.

Construction and Production

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives were manufactured exclusively at British Railways' Derby Works, with production spanning from 1961 to 1963. This facility handled the complete assembly, leveraging established processes from prior Sulzer-powered Type 4 designs. A total of 56 locomotives were built, initially numbered D138 to D193 under the pre-TOPS numbering system. In the , with the implementation of the (), they were renumbered to 46001 through 46056 to reflect their classification as mixed-traffic diesel-electric units. The limited production run stemmed from British Railways' strategic shift toward standardization on English Electric-powered designs for subsequent Type 4 locomotives, following successful trials with the Peak series. The Class 46 retained the bodyshell and Sulzer 12LDA28-A prime mover of the preceding Class 45 but incorporated generators and motors, selected to resolve traction motor reliability issues encountered with the equipment in earlier Peak classes such as the 44 and 45. Each unit included a standard British Railways mixed-traffic steam boiler for heating passenger trains, ensuring compatibility with existing . This adaptation prioritized proven electrical components over the prior setup, reflecting empirical adjustments based on operational feedback from initial Sulzer Type 4 deployments.

Powertrain and Key Features

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives employed a diesel-electric powertrain centered on the Sulzer 12LDA28-B engine, a 12-cylinder, pressure-charged, four-stroke V-form diesel producing 2,500 bhp (1,864 kW) at 750 rpm for continuous operation. This engine was paired with a Brush TG160-60 main generator and six Brush TM73-68 MkIII traction motors, one per axle in the Co-Co bogies, enabling high starting torque suitable for heavy freight and mixed-traffic duties with a maximum tractive effort of 55,000 lbf (245 kN). The 1Co-Co1 wheel arrangement incorporated a two-axle pony truck ahead of the power bogies, distributing the locomotive's 138 long tons (140 t) weight more evenly to enhance stability on uneven or high-speed routes while maintaining adhesion. Key features included dual braking systems—initially vacuum brakes later upgraded to air-vacuum combinations—providing a of 63 long tons (64 t), alongside rheostatic ( via the traction motors to dissipate energy as during deceleration, reducing wear on mechanical components. These elements reflected the causal advantages of diesel-electric over predecessors, with diesel typically reaching 25-35% compared to 's 5-10%, yielding lower fuel consumption per unit work (e.g., diesels averaging around 250 gallons of per hour versus 's equivalent of 2.4 tons of plus 2,880 gallons of water). The , approximately 18 hp per ton, supported quicker acceleration and reduced idling losses inherent to cycles, driving British Rail's dieselization for despite elevated maintenance demands from complex electrical systems.

Operational History

Initial Deployment (1961–1970)

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives commenced revenue-earning service in late , with the first units (numbered D138 onward) allocated primarily to Eastern Region depots such as (52A) for deployment on express passenger workings and heavy freight trains along north-eastern routes. These 2,500 horsepower diesel-electric machines, equipped with Sulzer 12LDA28 engines and electrical systems, were integrated into British Rail's dieselisation efforts amid the post-Beeching network contractions, which prioritised efficient motive power on surviving main lines. By mid-decade, Class 46s had demonstrated effectiveness in supplanting steam traction, achieving full diesel operation on key corridors like those serving the North East by 1965; individual units typically accumulated around 700,000 miles in their initial decade of service, reflecting high utilisation rates averaging approximately 70,000 miles annually. Early trials highlighted the class's superior power output for accelerating heavy loads compared to preceding Type 4s, though minor teething problems with electrical relays and auxiliary systems required depot adjustments. A number of locomotives were transferred to Western Region depots, including Bristol Bath Road (82A) from 1962, supporting cross-regional passenger expresses and freight amid ongoing steam withdrawals; further reallocations to (81A) occurred by 1964 for London-area workings. Overall, the class received favourable operational assessments for reliability in undiluted service conditions, bolstering British Rail's transition to all-diesel operations on rationalised .

Peak Usage and Regional Allocations (1970–1980)


During the 1970s, British Rail Class 46 locomotives attained peak operational levels, with primary allocations to Western Region depots including Laira at Plymouth and Bristol Bath Road following a 1971 reorganization. Laira received up to 28 units (46001–46028) from 1972 until 1980, enabling extensive deployment across and for inter-regional passenger and freight workings. Smaller numbers operated from Cardiff Canton, while northern allocations like persisted for cross-country services. Class 46s handled diverse duties suited to their mixed-traffic design, including express passenger trains such as relief workings and local stoppers between Plymouth and , alongside parcels services and china clay freights originating in . They also supported engineering trains and assisted high-speed passenger sets when required, demonstrating versatility amid evolving rail marked by freight modal shift to roads. Capable of hauling trains up to 1,000 tons on favorable gradients, these locomotives maintained heavy freight roles despite British Rail's overall ton-mileage peaking around 1973 before declining due to economic pressures. The introduction of the system in 1973 enhanced monitoring of performance and availability, reclassifying the fleet as 46001–46056 and revealing sustained reliability for Class 46s even as freight volumes contracted. Utilization varied regionally; Eastern Region examples averaged approximately 70,000 miles annually per , underscoring consistent diagrammed service amid competition from the numerically superior Class 47 fleet. This period highlighted adaptations to cost-conscious operations, where Class 46s provided efficient haulage inherited from steam-era replacements but yielded ground to more adaptable contemporaries in passenger and freight rosters.

Withdrawals and Economic Factors (1980–1985)

The withdrawal of British Rail Class 46 locomotives accelerated during the early 1980s, driven by persistent structural and mechanical failures that rendered them increasingly uneconomical to maintain. Initial withdrawals began in with isolated cases linked to bogie cracking, a recurring issue stemming from the stresses imposed by the locomotive's long design on sharp curves, which elevated repair demands and costs. By December 1980, withdrew 20 locomotives en masse, including numbers 46001, 46002, and others, citing overdue light repairs, power unit failures, and frame cracks such as in 46012. This pattern continued, with 9 withdrawn in 1981, 9 in 1982, 14 in 1983, and the remainder by late 1984, leaving the fleet effectively extinct by Christmas 1984 after just 23 years of service. Maintenance challenges compounded these issues, as Class 46s exhibited lower reliability metrics compared to contemporaries, logging fewer miles per casualty—approximately 7,421 versus over 12,000 for similar Sulzer-powered classes—and higher failure rates in engines, electrical systems, and components. British Rail's policy of cannibalizing spares from withdrawn units to sustain active ones exacerbated parts shortages for the Brush-equipped Sulzer powertrains, particularly as procurement dwindled amid broader underinvestment in aging diesel fleets. Operations were further restricted, with bans on routes west of in the late 1970s due to deteriorating condition, limiting their utility on cross-country and freight duties. Economic pressures from British Rail's taxpayer-subsidized operations favored fleet standardization and rationalization, prioritizing the prolific Class 47—over 500 units strong—with its superior versatility, electric heating capabilities, and lower per-unit maintenance burden over the smaller 56-unit Class 46 batch. The introduction of High Speed Trains (HSTs) for passenger services and Class 56 locomotives for freight eroded demand for steam-heated Type 4 diesels like the Class 46, particularly as Mk1 sleeper workings phased out around 1980. This shift reflected pragmatic modernization to address operational inefficiencies, including high downtime and escalating repair bills that strained British Rail's resources without commensurate performance gains. Disposal followed swiftly, with over 50 locomotives scrapped at British Rail facilities including (handling the majority), , , and , alongside test site disposals at ; final cuttings occurred into 1985. This rapid scrapping underscored the class's obsolescence in a rationalizing network, where retaining non-standard, high-cost assets proved untenable amid fiscal constraints and the push toward more efficient, unified fleets.

Technical Performance and Modifications

Reliability Issues and Maintenance Challenges

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives exhibited higher rates of mechanical and electrical failures compared to contemporaneous designs, particularly the Class 45, due in part to the integration of Brush electrical equipment with the Sulzer . In 1972 data from the Eastern Region, Class 46 units recorded 7,421 miles per casualty, significantly lower than the Class 45's 12,397 miles per casualty, reflecting more frequent downtime. Annual mileage averaged 70,439 miles for Class 46s versus 80,582 miles for Class 45s, with average time between casualties at 38 days compared to 56 days. Electrical faults were prominent, with Class 46s experiencing 2.95 casualties per year versus 2.20 for Class 45s, including issues with cables (0.66 versus 0.23 casualties annually); these stemmed from the generator and traction motors, which proved less durable in combination with the Sulzer 12LDA28 power unit than the equipment in the Class 45. Engine-related casualties were also elevated at 2.10 per year for Class 46s (versus 1.06 for Class 45s), encompassing fuel system (0.44 versus 0.13), lubricating oil (0.59 versus 0.16), and cooling (0.52 versus 0.20) failures, necessitating frequent power unit exchanges at depots like Stratford. faults compounded maintenance demands, with recorded issues prompting swaps and repairs at facilities such as Tinsley and Thornaby in the early 1980s, including cases like 46010 in July 1982 and 46051 in December 1983. These metrics underscored the Class 46's inferiority in long-term durability to the Class 45 and Class 47 (13,090 miles per casualty in 1972), attributable to the hybrid powertrain's mismatched components from multiple suppliers, which increased complexity and parts inventory burdens. British Railways' strategy of diversifying engine and electrical suppliers across small batches—Sulzer diesels with Brush electrics in the 56-unit Class 46 run—exacerbated redundancy in spares and expertise, straining resources in a nationalized system already facing fiscal constraints by the late 1970s. Overdue repairs, such as light classified overhauls for units like 46029 and 46045 by late 1979, further eroded fleet availability, hastening withdrawals from 1980 onward.

Modifications and Upgrades

Several Class 46 locomotives underwent dual braking conversions between 1967 and 1973 to enable operation of both and air-braked trains, with examples including D140 in April 1973 and D149 in January 1973. These modifications involved adding air brake equipment and reservoirs, aligning the fleet with evolving requirements, though not all units received them simultaneously. Cab and nose end alterations were implemented during the transition to blue livery, including the fitting of one-piece headcode panels on many locomotives (D138–D166) as part of refurbishments starting in 1965. A majority later received plated-over nose ends incorporating sealed beam headlights to improve visibility, particularly for those allocated to Western Region duties. These changes addressed operational needs but did not create distinct sub-classes. Other targeted upgrades included boiler isolation on units such as 46004 in April 1982 and 46009 in December 1982, reflecting the decline in steam-heated passenger services. Individual locomotives received specialized modifications for testing, notably 46045 (renumbered 97404) for departmental use from 1984 to 1986 and 46035 for wheelslip trials in May 1985, which briefly extended their active roles. Despite these efforts, the upgrades yielded only marginal service life extensions for a few examples, such as 46045 lasting until 1985, as persistent reliability issues and high maintenance costs limited broader fleet viability per British Railways assessments.

Performance Metrics and Comparisons

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives exhibited robust capabilities, with a maximum starting of 55,000 lbf (245 kN), facilitating acceleration suitable for mixed-traffic duties including heavy freight hauls exceeding 500 tons. Power output stood at 2,500 bhp from the Sulzer 12LDA28 engine, delivering 1,962 hp at the rail, which supported a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) under load. aligned with medium-speed diesel norms, achieving approximately 169 g/bhp-hr (0.37 lb/bhp-hr) at full load and rated speed, markedly superior to ' equivalent consumption of 2-3 lb/hp-hr due to inherent thermodynamic advantages in diesel cycles despite BR's constraints. In comparisons to contemporaries, the Class 46 surpassed early Type 4 designs like the Class 40 (initially 2,000 ) in raw power density from its intercooled Sulzer engine, enabling better sustained performance on gradients such as the with 445-ton trains. However, it trailed the more versatile Class 47 (2,750 English Electric engine standard), which benefited from refined electrical systems and broader adaptability, contributing to the Class 47's extended service life beyond 50 years for many units versus the Class 46's typical 20-25 years. Engineering trade-offs in the Class 46's Sulzer —favoring high for freight but prone to cooling and boiler-related failures—resulted in elevated maintenance demands, exacerbating downtime in British Rail's under-resourced monopoly environment where predictive upkeep lagged.
MetricClass 46 (Sulzer Type 4)Class 47 (Brush Type 4)
Engine Power ()2,5002,750
Max (lbf)55,00062,000
Specific Fuel Consumption (lb/-hr, full load)~0.37~0.40
Typical (years)20-2550+
This table highlights causal disparities: the Class 46's specialized freight gearing optimized low-speed but limited versatility, while dieselization overall exposed systemic inefficiencies in state-operated fleets, where superior unit economics faltered without competitive pressures for reliability enhancements.

Liveries, Naming, and Identification

Livery Evolutions

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives entered service painted in the standard BR green livery from their delivery dates between September 1961 and December 1962, characterized by an all-over Brunswick green body with a broad horizontal medium grey stripe along the lower bodyside and small yellow warning panels positioned from frame level up to the base of the headcode discs on the cab ends. These small panels, mandated for green-liveried diesel locomotives from early 1962, enhanced visibility for track workers but covered only the lower portions of the ends. From 21 October 1967, Class 46s undergoing classified repairs or overhauls at works were repainted into the new corporate Rail Blue livery, featuring full ends extending from buffer beam to level for improved signaling, alongside grey-painted underframes and roofs to reduce visual and maintenance visibility issues. This shift aligned with 's broader standardization efforts under its 1965 program, prioritizing uniform fleet appearance across diesel classes without altering mechanical performance. The transition progressed incrementally via depot and works repaints tied to periodic heavy maintenance, typically every four to six years depending on mileage and condition assessments, though some locomotives retained green until depot-level touch-ups delayed full conversion. By summer 1972, the final Class 46s, including outliers like those at non-works facilities, had received Rail Blue, establishing near-uniformity across the fleet into the late . Rare deviations included experimental or departmental variants, such as test panels on select units, but sectorization-era schemes like Inter-City swallowtail or Freight grey-and-yellow were minimal owing to the class's withdrawal timeline from onward. Liveries served primarily as identifiers for operational allocation and safety compliance, reflecting British Rail's empirical drive toward centralized visual signaling rather than aesthetic or promotional intent.

Naming Practices

British Rail Class 46 locomotives adhered to minimal official naming practices, prioritizing numerical identification over personalization in line with the utility-focused ethos of the state-owned operator. Unlike the preceding Class 44 Peaks, all ten of which were named after locations upon introduction in 1960, and approximately 70 of the 110 Class 45s which received similar geographic names, the 56 Class 46s built between 1961 and 1963 generally operated without official names. This reflected British Rail's pragmatic approach, emphasizing standardization and efficiency rather than morale-boosting or publicity-driven branding seen sporadically in other diesel classes like the Class 47. The sole exception was D163 (renumbered 46026 under in 1974), which carried the name and —often abbreviated to —applied during its revenue service, earning the affectionate nickname "The Lady" among crews and enthusiasts. This naming honored a local regiment, but no broader convention extended to the class, with locomotives identified primarily by their TOPS numbers (46001–46056) following the system's implementation in the early 1970s to streamline operations and . Unofficial nicknames proliferated instead, such as "Brush Peaks" distinguishing the Class 46's Brush electrical equipment from the Crompton Parkinson systems in Classes 44 and 45, or the collective "Peaks" for the family, alongside derogatory terms like "Wagons" used by some crews for their perceived hauling limitations. Locomotives occasionally displayed headboards denoting specific workings rather than permanent identities, underscoring the class's role in routine freight and duties without sentimental embellishment.

Notable Incidents and Tests

Nuclear Flask Crash Test (1984)

On 17 July 1984, British Rail conducted Operation Smash Hit, a deliberate high-speed collision test at the Old Dalby test track in Leicestershire to validate the structural integrity of nuclear flasks used for transporting spent fuel by rail. Class 46 locomotive No. 46009 (D109), weighing 140 tons and hauling three Mark 1 coaches for a total impacting mass of 239 tons, was accelerated to 100 mph before striking a stationary Flatrol wagon carrying an empty nuclear flask positioned on its side. The locomotive's front cab was obliterated upon impact, with the body derailing and resting on its left side, while the coaches piled behind; the flask remained undamaged with no breach of containment. The test, organized by in collaboration with the amid public concerns over nuclear waste transport , aimed to empirically demonstrate flask resilience against severe accidents. While critics noted the setup's controlled conditions—such as the flask's sideways orientation and absence of a full sequence—prevented exact replication of uncontrolled scenarios, the unyielding performance under direct 100 mph transfer affirmed the design's capacity to prevent radioactive release. This outcome provided causal evidence of the flasks' engineering robustness, derived from thick steel and concrete construction tested to exceed regulatory standards. Following the demonstration, which drew spectators including media and officials, confidence in rail-based nuclear shipments increased, supporting continued operations without mandatory design alterations. 46009, an aging unit from the Class 46 fleet nearing withdrawal, was scrapped due to irreparable damage, exemplifying the test's destructive toll on sacrificial equipment. The event underscored empirical validation over theoretical risks, with no reported concerns and full data corroborating flask survivability.

Preservation and Legacy

Preserved Examples

Of the 56 British Rail Class 46 locomotives constructed between 1961 and 1963, only three have been preserved, yielding a survival rate of approximately 5%. These survivors were withdrawn from by 1985 and subsequently acquired by private preservation societies amid British Rail's disposal program, which saw the majority scrapped at sites including and CW Billington & Sons at Stanton Ironworks. Locomotive 46010 (originally D147), built in 1962, was preserved after withdrawal in March 1984 and is based at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), where it operates following overhaul. 46035 (D172, named Ixion), constructed in 1962 and withdrawn in 1984 after departmental use as 97403, resides at Peak Rail in Rowsley, Derbyshire, owned by the Waterman Railways Heritage Trust. The third example, 46045 (D182), built in 1962 and withdrawn in 1985 following service as 97404, serves primarily as a parts donor and is owned by the Peak Locomotive Company; it is currently on loan to the Severn Valley Railway. No Class 46 locomotives remained in operational British Rail service after 1985.

Restoration Efforts and Current Status

Class 46 No. 46010 (formerly D147) underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in March 2019, following a two-year overhaul contracted to the Pioneer Diesel Locomotive Group at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ruddington depot. The project, managed by D05 Preservation Ltd after acquiring the locomotive in semi-derelict condition, included extensive engine and ancillary system repairs, enabling subsequent operations on heritage railways such as the West Somerset Railway in 2019. Preservation efforts for other examples, such as No. 46045 (D182), have involved periodic maintenance and guest appearances at events, including the Railway's Spring Diesel Festival in May 2022 and the West Somerset Railway's Diesel Gala in June 2024. These activities are primarily volunteer-driven through groups like the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group, incurring high costs for specialized repairs without the institutional support available during British Rail's operational era. As of 2025, operational running remains intermittent across preserved locomotives due to the scarcity of spare parts, a direct consequence of the class's limited production of just 56 units between 1961 and 1963, which restricted the availability of Brush-sourced electrical components essential for reliability. Sourcing these has required custom fabrication or adaptation, exacerbating maintenance delays on heritage lines where the locomotives see sporadic use.

Historical Significance and Criticisms

The British Rail Class 46 locomotives, constructed between 1961 and 1963, formed part of the dieselization drive under the 1955 Modernisation Plan, which sought to supplant steam traction with more efficient diesel power across mixed-traffic duties. Primarily allocated to the London Midland Region, they handled passenger and freight services on routes such as the and cross-country workings, delivering consistent power from the Sulzer 12LDA28-C engine that facilitated the transition from steam-era operations. This empirical contribution supported British Rail's goal of modernizing freight and passenger haulage, with the class's 2,500 bhp output proving effective for accelerating load-outs in the early years of deployment. Criticisms of the Class 46 center on its abbreviated and operational shortcomings, which highlighted broader deficiencies in British Rail's nationalized framework. Built in limited numbers—56 units total—the class was withdrawn starting in 1977, with all examples retired by late 1984, far short of the longevity achieved by the standardized English Electric Class 47. Design oversights, including cracking in the bogie frames due to high stresses from the locomotive's long 12 ft 10 in bogie centers navigating tight curves, contributed to persistent reliability problems and elevated maintenance demands. Operators reported frequent failures and lower availability rates compared to the related Class 45, exacerbating costs amid British Rail's financial constraints in the late . These issues underscored British Rail's flawed strategy of over-diversification in types during the Modernisation era, where multiple competing designs like the Peaks (Classes 44-46) and Type 4s fragmented maintenance logistics and spare parts inventories, rather than prioritizing a single versatile class such as the Class 47, which endured into the . Nationalization-era inefficiencies, including bureaucratic delays and inconsistent at Works, amplified these procurement errors, leading to premature fleet rationalization as budgets tightened post-1975. While railway enthusiasts valorize the Class 46 for its throaty Sulzer engine note and robust low-speed torque, operational staff consistently cited the class's high downtime and repair intensity as evidence of an under-optimized design unfit for sustained heavy use. In legacy terms, the Class 46 embodies the optimism of rapid technological shift toward diesel power, yet it also exemplifies the subsequent pitfalls of uncoordinated policy and engineering compromises that burdened British Rail's rationalization efforts through the . The type's early obsolescence, driven by these factors rather than sheer of the diesel concept, contrasts with the enduring utility of standardized fleets elsewhere, prompting retrospective analysis of how procurement decisions prioritized variety over .

References

  1. https://rapidotrains.co.uk/br-class-46/
  2. https://www.modelraildatabase.com/classes/details/138/british-rail-class-46-peak/
  3. https://www.dieselalmanac.uk/46.html
  4. https://www.svrwiki.com/BR_Class_46_46045
  5. https://www.derbysulzers.com/derby1010.html
  6. https://www.philt.org.uk/BR/BR-class-44-45-46
  7. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/149373-brush-type-12/
  8. https://www.derbysulzers.com/class45detail.html
  9. https://thesulzerpictorial.weebly.com/class-44-45-461.html
  10. http://www.railway-technical.com/trains/steam-vs-diesel.html
  11. https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/trains/newsteam/modern50.htm
  12. http://www.scot-rail.co.uk/page/Class%2B46
  13. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/why-were-the-class-46-locos-withdrawn-so-soon.146472/
  14. https://www.derbysulzers.com/class46end.html
  15. https://www.brdatabase.info/locoqry.php?action=locodata&type=D&id=6353&loco=6353
  16. https://www.derbysulzers.com/plymouth46.html
  17. https://archivesit.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TOPS-for-History-of-the-Internet-January-2024-Draft-for-clearance.pdf
  18. https://www.derbysulzers.com/class45data.html
  19. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/130410-class-444546-features-as-built/
  20. https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/class-46-sealed-beam-headlights-46045-br-blue-%255Bw%255D/32-704sf
  21. https://locoperformance.tripod.com/edition11/class45.htm
  22. https://www.derbysulzers.com/sncf65500.html
  23. https://www.aronline.co.uk/opinion/blog-lets-hear-it-for-the-class-47/
  24. https://peakdieselarchive.co.uk/first-to-last-liveries
  25. https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Comment/the-history-of-yellow
  26. https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/railway-200/uk-locomotives/exploring-type-4-locomotives
  27. https://www.railway-centre.com/uploads/7/2/2/3/7223531/introduction.pdf
  28. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/176064-nicknames-for-british-locomotive-classes/
  29. https://davidheyscollection.com/pages/david-heys-steam-diesel-photo-collection-39-br-express-trains
  30. https://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/25694/from-the-archive-operation-smash-hit-84/
  31. https://blog.railwaymuseum.org.uk/operation-smash-hit/
  32. http://www.nigeltout.com/html/crash-test-old-dalby.html
  33. https://www.ans.org/news/article-2232/a-look-back-at-1984-uk-spent-fuel-flask-test/
  34. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/modelling-operation-smash-hit-oo-gauge
  35. https://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/9170/peak-no-46010-restoration-completed/
  36. https://www.dieselalmanac.uk/Loco/46045.html
  37. https://pioneer-diesels.co.uk/full-rebuild-and-restoration-of-class-46-loco/
  38. https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/02/west-somerset-railway-announce-first-diesel-locomotive-visitor-for-2019-gala.html
  39. https://depg.org/2024/03/
  40. https://www.platform5.com/Catalogue/Modern-British-Railways/The-Peaks-Classes-444546-OPC-CPC44
  41. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/br-sulzer-class-45
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R79tjrdkGJE
  43. https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/final-years-class-45s
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