Class 05

Built by the Hunslet Engine Company between 1955 and 1961, the Class 05, this smaller class of just 69 locomotives would see service largely on the Eastern and Scottish Regions of British Railways. The first two batches were delivered as 11136 - 11143 (later D2550 - D2557) and 11161 - 11176 (later D2558 - D2573). Subsequent locomotives were delivered as D2574 - D2618.

One class member, D2554, has spent most of its' life on the Isle of Wight and was the only Class 05 to receive a TOPS number, 05001 upon its transfhere to the Island in 1966. As it was deened suitable for use on the Island, it was retained in working order and transphered to departmental stock in 1981, becoming 97803 where it would operate for a further four years before it was withdrawn and sold to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, where it still servives. Three other class members, D2578, D2587 and D2595 are also preserved.

Unlike the Class 08 diesel-electric shunters, the Class 05 locomotives have a diesel-mechanical setup, whereby power from the 204hp Gardner 8-cylinder engine is transphered to a Hunslet 4-speed gearbox and revercing gearbox. Power is applied to the wheels via a jackshaft and coupling rods.undefined

In 1976 only 05 001 (D2554) was allocated, it being allocated to Ryde St Johns Road (RY) on the Isle of Wight. Although was originally brought to the Island in January 167 to assist the Electrification of the Island Line.