Class 26 Profile and Models

Class 26

26041 at Carlisle in August 1991. ©Phil Richards

The fleet of Class 26 locomotives were produced as part of the pilot scheme for BR’s modernisation plan. BR required a large number of small diesels in the 800 to 1,250hp range and the Class 26s were one such of these designs. The initial batch of 26/0 locos were evaluated in London on a variety of duties, including commuter services from Kings Cross. The second batch of 26/1 locos were appointed to the Scottish region and by the mid-1960s it was decided to move the entire Class 26 fleet for use in Scotland exclusively. Like other Type 2s, the 26s were “maids of all work” in the 60s and 70s and could be seen on a huge variety of duties.
 

Type of Locomotive

Diesel-Electric

Builder

Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company

Build Dates

1958 to 1959

Total Built

47

Tractive Effort

42,000 lbf

Power Output

1,160 hp

Top Speed

80 mph

Wheel Configuration

Bo-Bo

Operated By

British Railways

Main Duties

Mixed Traffic

In Service Until

1994

Surviving Examples

13

 

Products awaiting categorisation

Scale Brand Image Construction Type DCC Capability Product Code Product Title Livery
N Gauge CJM 26011 Class 26 26011 in BR Blue with Yellow Ends RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled Not set 26011
View
Class 26 26011 in BR Blue with Yellow Ends BR blue
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) PRMRP No image available Requires assembly Not set BRL-026R
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Class 26 locomotive kit (Railfreight version - freight only configuration) Awaiting Categorisation
HO Gauge (1:87 Scale) Fleischmann No image available RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled Not set 4227
View
Class BR 260 108-6 of the DB Awaiting Categorisation