Hunslet DH60C

The Hunslet DH60C is a shunter developed by Hunslet Engine Company.^[2] It has a robust modern design and is intended for heavy shunting and short industrial trips.

Hunslet DH60C
Type and origin Power type Diesel Builder Hunslet Engine Company
Specifications Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Minimum curve 70 m (229 ft 8 in) Length 9.850 m (32 ft 3.8 in) Width 2.700 m (8 ft 10.3 in) Height 3.765 m (12 ft 4.2 in) Loco weight 60 tonnes (59.1 long tons; 66.1 short tons) Engine type Caterpillar C15 Transmission Hydrodynamic MU working (optional) 2 locomotives
Performance figures Maximum speed 20 km/h (12 mph) Power output 354 kW (475 hp) @ 2100rpm Tractive effort 194 kN @ μ = 0.33 (maximum)
Values for 3 axle CAT engined version. Sources:[1]

Background and design

In 2007 the Hunslet Engine Company announced that it was developing a new shunter type, with a family of diesel hydraulic designs (B, C or B'B' axle arrangement) up to 100 tonnes posited for future development, in 2008 manufacture of the first model - a 60tonne, 3 axle machine began. The first locomotive of type DH60C was unveiled at Chasewater Railway in July 2010.

The locomotive applied modern design principles to a shunter designed for the UK market;^{[n 1]} the locomotive has swing arm/coil spring suspension, with vertical hydraulic damping, and pneumatic brakes. The transmission is via a hydrodynamic converter and cardan drive shafts to right angled gearbox drives on each axle.^[1][2]

Test trials of the locomotive were carried out at Daventry International Railfreight Terminal.^[3]

A four-wheeled variant is also being developed, and Hunslet intends to certify it for use across the UK's national rail network.^[4]

Notes

1. The design is built to the standard UK vehicle gauge - as defined by drawing 'UK L-A1-1806'.^[1]