The Class 03 was one of British Rail’s most successful diesel-mechanical shunter designs, with a large fleet produced that saw much use over the decades. Like other shunters, they were designed for light duties where a larger loco was not required. A reduction in demand for shunting locos meant that they were progressively withdrawn from 1968, although some were in use right up until 1998. One was subsequently used in the mid-2000s with First. Due to their robust design and high reliability, they are very popular with preserved railways.
Type of Locomotive |
Diesel-Mechanical |
Builder |
BR Doncaster Works & BR Swindon Works |
Build Date |
1957 to 1961 |
Total Built |
230 |
Power Output |
204 hp |
Tractive Effort |
15,650 lbf |
Top Speed |
28.5 mph |
Operators |
British Rail, WAGN, First Capital Connect |
Main Duties |
Shunting |
In Service Until |
2008 |
Surviving Examples |
56 |
Scale | Brand | Image | Construction Type | DCC Capability | Product Code | Product Title | Livery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale) | Bachmann Branchline | Requires assembly | Not set |
35-350 View |
Complete replacement motorised chassis unit for class 03 diesel shunter (also suitable for class 04) | BR green with late crest | |
O Gauge (1:43 Scale) | DJH Model Railway Kits | RTR/RTUse/Pre-assembled | Not set |
K326 View |
Class 03 shunter in BR Green - Factory Built | BR green with late crest |