British Rail Class 44

Derby Type 4
British Rail Class 44
44 010 "Tryfan" heads a freight train on the Birmingham-Peterborough line, in Leicestershire, April 1976.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderBritish RailwaysDerby Works
Build date1959–1960
Total produced10
Specifications
Configuration:
 • UIC(1′Co)(Co1′)
 • Commonwealth1Co-Co1
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 9 in (1.143 m)
Minimum curve5 chains (100 m)
Wheelbase59 ft 8 in (18.19 m)
Length67 ft 11 in (20.70 m)
Width8 ft 10+12 in (2.71 m)
Height12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Loco weight133 long tons (135 t; 149 short tons)
Fuel capacity840 imp gal (3,800 L; 1,010 US gal)
Prime moverSulzer 12LDA28-A
Engine typeDiesel
GeneratorCrompton Parkinson GC426-A1
Traction motorsSix Crompton Parkinson C171-B1
MU working Blue Star
Train heatingSteam
Train brakesVacuum
Performance figures
Maximum speed90 mph (145 km/h)
Power outputEngine: 2,300 bhp (1,715 kW)
At rail: 1,800 hp (1,342 kW)
Tractive effortMaximum: 50,000 lbf (222 kN)
Brakeforce63 long tons-force (628 kN)
Career
OperatorsBritish Railways
NumbersD1–D10; later 44 001–44 010
NicknamesPeak
Axle load classRoute availability 7
Withdrawn1976-1980
DispositionTwo preserved, remainder scrapped

The British Rail Class 44 or Sulzer Type 4 diesel locomotives were built by British Railways' Derby Works between 1959 and 1960, intended for express passenger services. They were originally numbered D1-D10 and named after mountains in England and Wales, and, along with the similar Class 45 and 46 locomotives, they became known as Peaks.