Locomotive Class
Class 08
Class: Class 08
Type: Diesel-Electric
Designer: British Railways
Weight: 49 tons
Purpose: Shunting
Information: Class 08 diesel shunters were the most numerous diesel-electric locomotive design employed by British Railways. The antiquated outward appearance of the class finds roots in early experimentation with diesel locomotives by the London Midland Scottish Railways (LMS) during the 1930’s.
Details: Ironically, some of the earliest experimentations in diesel propulsion on Britain came about because of inefficiencies of steam in goods shunting operations. In the 1930’s, when the concept was first put forward and 1960’s freight was handled in individual wagon loads at numerous shunting yards across Britain. The LMS saw the answer to improved operation and efficiencies through the newly developed German diesel engine design. Between 1939 and 1942 the LMS built 9 examples of what would later be designated by TOPS as the Class 11; the basis for the 08 design.
After nationalisation British Railways continued to build the Class 11 locomotives, but experimentation in transmission gear ratios ultimately resulted in the Class 08 being designated a separate Class.
In the heyday of individual wagon shunting a total of 996 Class 08’s were built at Crewe, Derby, Horwch, Doncaster, and Darlington during the years between 1953 and 1962. Nick-named “Gronks” the class were often ignored by enthusiasts due to their lowly role. The locomotives were restricted to a top-speed of 20-MPH.
With diminished work due to cut-backs on British Railways during the early 1960’s, the first member of the Class, D3193 was withdrawn in 1967. Today the usefulness of the 08 remains limited in the current railway environment, but limited use does indeed remain for which a number of 08’s are still active. Many withdrawn 08’s are still active across the country having found a new lease of life on preserved Heritage Railways and Private Industrial Railways, where their worth is highly regarded. Nearly 70-years after their introduction the diesels have proven their success as the most practical answer for their intended service and no-doubt will remain a testament to their original designers.
John Faulkner
Class 08 Releases (52)
Class 08 Images (52)
0-6-0 Diesel Shunter D3005
0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 13005
0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 13005
0-6-0 Diesel-Electric Yard Switcher (Canada) 1520
B.R. Diesel Freight Pack (Class 08) 08513
BRML Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08642
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Electric Shunter 08933
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 13012
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter D3035
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter D3010
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 08201
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 08938
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter - Piccadilly 08673
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter - The Sorter 08633
Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunting Locomotive D3035
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08531
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08828
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08523
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08810
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08531
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08096
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 3973
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 3256
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08402
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08528
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter D3200
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08530
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08847
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08847
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08630
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08799
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter 08865
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter D4093
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC Locomotive with Sound) 08844
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC Locomotive with Sound) D3105
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC Locomotive with Sound) D3963
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC Locomotive with Sound) D3511
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC Locomotive with Sound) 08661
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (DCC) D4174
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (Weathered) 08830
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter (Weathered) 08419
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter - Dave 2 08676
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter - Europa 08661
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter - St. Rollox 08568
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter - Stephen Dent 08896
Class 08 Diesel Electric Shunter - Thomas 1
Class 08 Diesel Shunter 08201
Class 08 Diesel Shunter D3509
Class 08 Diesel Shunter - Thomas 1
Class 12 (Class 08) 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 13005
Serco Class 08 0-6-0 Diesel Shunter 08417
