British Rail Class 59

British Rail Class 59
59001 Yeoman Endeavour at Doncaster Works in revised Foster Yeoman livery on 27 July 2003
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder General Motors Electro Motive Division Model JT26CW-SS Build date 1985–1995 Total produced 15
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte Co-Co  • UIC Co'Co' Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 9 in (1.143 m) Length 21.40 m (70 ft 3 in) Width 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in) Height 3.91 m (12 ft 10 in) Loco weight 126 t (124.0 long tons; 138.9 short tons) Fuel capacity 1,000 imp gal (4,550 L; 1,200 US gal) Prime mover EMD 16-645E3C MU working AAR system (Classes 59, 66 and 67) Train heating None Train brakes Air
Performance figures Top speed 60–75 mph (97–121 km/h) Power output Engine: 3,300 bhp (2,460 kW) Tractive effort Maximum: 508 kN (114,000 lbf) at 11 km/h (7 mph) Continuous: 290 kN (65,000 lbf) at 23 km/h (14 mph)
Career Railroad(s) English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Mendip Rail Number 59001–59005, 59101–59104, 59201–59206 Axle load class Route availability 7

The Class 59 Co-Co diesel locomotives were built and introduced between 1985 and 1995 by General Motors Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) for private British companies, initially Foster Yeoman. They were designed for hauling heavy freight and designated JT26CW-SS.