Class 52 'Western' Profile and Models

Class 52 'Western'

D1048 "Western Lady" at Old Oak Common in July 1976. © Barry Lewis

The Class 52 was a large Type-4 diesel-hydraulic locomotive built for BR's Western Region. Each one received a two-word name, with the first being "Western", which led to their nickname. At the time of their construction in the 1960s, BR regions had a high degree of autonomy and were commissioning huge numbers of locomotives, with some being more experimental. It was theorised that the Westerns would be lighter, more powerful and cause less track wear than conventional locomotives, but they weren't without their issues. The main problem encountered with the class was a mismatch between the engine and transmission. However, the locomotives proved themselves in service and led a successful career prior to their early withdrawal in the 1970s, due to their non-standard design.

(Information provided by Wikipedia)

Type of Locomotive

Diesel-Hydraulic

Builder

Swindon Works
Crewe Works

Build Dates

1961 to 1964

Total Built

74

Tractive Effort

66,700 lbf

Power Output

1,350 hp x 2

Top Speed

90 mph

Wheel Configuration

C-C

Operated By

British Rail

Main Duties

Express Passenger

In Service Until

1977

Surviving Examples

7

 

Products awaiting categorisation

Scale Brand Image Construction Type DCC Capability Product Code Product Title Livery
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Amer Collection No image available RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled Not set GBL34
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Class 52 D1062 'Western Courier' in BR Maroon - static model - not motorised BR maroon
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Dapol D1003X Class 52 D1042 'Western Princess' in BR maroon with small yellow ends (Weathered) - Limited Edition for Kernow Model Rail Centre RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled DCC Ready. 21-pin socket D1003X
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Class 52 D1042 'Western Princess' in BR maroon with small yellow ends (Weathered) - Limited Edition for Kernow Model Rail Centre Awaiting Categorisation
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) Modern Traction Kits (MTK) D12 Class 52 Western Locomotive Kit Requires assembly Not set D12
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Class 52 Western Locomotive Kit Unpainted
N Gauge Dapol 2D-003-0SB1 Class 52 'Western' D1000 "Western Enterprise" in Desert Sand - weathered - Osborns Models Limited Edition RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled Unpowered 2D-003-0SB1
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Class 52 'Western' D1000 "Western Enterprise" in Desert Sand - weathered - Osborns Models Limited Edition Awaiting Categorisation