Diesel Electric Locomotive D227 40027

Parthia Locomotive Nameplate

English Electric 'Type 4' 1C0-C01 (later known as Class 40's) was introduced in 1958 as part of the modernization plan, equipped with a steam heating boiler and weighing 133 tons.

There were 200 built, originally numbered D200 - D399 before being classified as TOPS Class 40 in the 1970's, losing their original green livery (and character!) in the process. Parthia, like several others, was named after an ocean liners.

• English Electric Class 40's:
  • Class series Nos: 40001-199
  • Original series Nos: D200-D399
  • Builders: English Electric Co Ltd
  • Introduced: 1958-1962
  • Power: single English Electric Co 16SVT,Mk2 16-cyl
    • BHP: 2000 @ 850rpm (1,490kW)
  • Transmission: electric
  • Main generator: EE822, Auxiliary generator: EE9911
  • Traction motors: six EE526/5D
    • Maximum tractive effort: 52,000lb/f 
    • Continuous tractive effort: 30,900lb/f @ 18.8mph 
    • Power at Rail: 1550hp (1160kW)
  • Maximum speed: 90mph
  • Fuel capacity: 730gal
  • Weight: 131-136 ton
  • Route availability: 6
  • Brake force: 51ton, Vacuum/Air
  • Coupling code: Blue Star
  • Driving wheel diameter: 3ft 9in
  • Pony wheel diameter: 3ft
  • Length: 69ft 6in

Brass Worksplate

(Reproduction)

Source: eBay Item 6555393646, seller phil-ossifer by permission

English Electric Company Ltd London
No 2683/D444. 1959.
The Vulcan Foundry Ltd.
Locomotive Works England
It actually is 24.8cms long by 10.8cms wide (smaller than an original)

Known workings for D227/40027

Sheffield Railwayana Auctions 12th March 2005 at Myers Grove School Sheffield
Class 40, "Parthia", made £8,100, not a record. 
Lot 25. "Parthia Cunard Lines" ex BR Type 4 D227 / 40027. Cast alloy 28?"x15" £8100
Lot 25. NAMEPLATE "PARTHIA. Cunard Lines". This completely ex-loco nameplate was carried by the British Railways Type 4 1CoCo1 2000 H.P. diesel electric D227 built by English Electric as Works No. 2683 and Vulcan Foundry as D444, and emerging to traffic at Longsight on 24th August 1959. It was named at Crewe Works on 23rd June 1962 without ceremony. Renumbered 40027 Class 40 in December 1973, it was finally withdrawn from Longsight on 25th April 1983. It went to Crewe for scrap in May 1983 and was cut up by April 8th 1984. Cast aluminium, 28½"x15" tall. £8100

Sheffield Railwayana Auctions 11 Dec 2004
Lot 288. Works and Tender Plates English Electric 2683/D444.1959VF ex BR Type 4 D227 "Parthia" Rect chromed brass 10"x4½". £620 Results: the nameplate from D227, a namer and ex-loco, was a tad disappointing at £620, below the record for a named loco.
 

This page last updated 02 Jan 2008